Olusegun Ariyo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, from the single treasury account (TSA) to accelerate development.
A statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu made this announcement when the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the Abuja community in paying the president a Sallah homage on Sunday.
Tinubu explained that he removed the FCT from the TSA because the system was hindering infrastructure growth in the nation and required review for impact and progress.
According to the president, Wike embodies diversity within Nigeria.
President Tinubu emphasised that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has rapidly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.
“I remember the day the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, ‘Please remove us from the problem of the TSA so that I can accomplish more work and achieve more.’ I said, ‘Show me what you are about to do,’ and he presented his thinking and belief.
“And everything began changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the vice president’s official residence, which had been abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated healthcare centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture,” Tinubu said.
President Tinubu praised the FCT Minister for demonstrating that liberation from bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service to allow civil servants to aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.
“We wouldn’t have been able to celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you brought to the FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” President Tinubu said.
He encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious affiliations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.
“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is decreasing. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.
“We are not seeking magic. We are seeking results. We are seeking comfort. We are praying for your good health. We are seeking someone who cares,” the president noted.
“The job is not just about Wike or me but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof.” He added.
In his remarks, Wike thanked the president for hosting the residents at the State House.
“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here,” he said.
Wike pledged his loyalty to the president and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.
“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.
