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Wike Boasts of Political Will to Take Bold Decisions as FCT Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that he possesses the political will to make tough decisions in the discharge of his duties.

Wike, who spoke while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Innovate Africa Conference in Abuja, said leadership requires courage to act decisively, even in difficult circumstances. The conference was themed “Reimagining Africa’s Leadership and Investment.”

Citing an example, the minister recalled how he ordered the demolition of structures being built by the Nigeria Police Force under a high-tension power line in Abuja.

According to him, “Three days ago, I was informed that the police were constructing houses under the high tension and the Development Control went there to say you cannot do this. I went there myself and said, under my leadership, this will not be allowed. I told the Development Control to bring down the buildings—heaven will not fall, and as I speak, heaven is at rest. That is leadership.”

Wike stressed that true leadership is about taking firm decisions without fear or favour, regardless of who is affected.

“When a leader cannot take decisions at challenging times, then that is not leadership,” he said. “For me, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, I have the political will—without any apologies to anybody—to make sure that Abuja competes with other cities of the world.”

He added that leadership is not about political affiliation but about doing what is right for the people.

“People come to us; you know that things are wrong, what you are doing is wrong. It has nothing to do with the political party you belong to,” Wike stated.