Gimba Kakanda, a newspaper columnist, has expressed optimism that Nyesom Wike will perform well as the new minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Wike was sworn in alongside other members of the Federal Executive Council on Monday, August 21.
The former governor of Rivers State received the loudest ovation from guests at the event while his citation was being read.
Wike visited his office at the Federal Capital Territory Administration immediately after his inauguration, vowing to address the challenges faced by the Nigerian capital.
His appointment has excited many of the residents in the FCT due to Wike’s achievements, especially in infrastructural development, while he held sway as Rivers governor.
Kakanda, also an opinion contributor at Al Jazeera, noted that Wike could turn around Abuja for good.
He also expressed hope that the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain would match the achievements of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who was the FCT minister from 2003 to 2007.
His words:
”Since El-Rufai, FCT has had a succession of ministers with zero city-management skills. I have a strong feeling that we are going to witness enhanced activities under Wike.
”I pray he proves us right because the demographic pressure on Abuja can’t withstand any more redundancy.”
News.ng had earlier reported that Wike is the second southerner to occupy the position of FCT minister.
Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun, the first southerner to occupy the position, was appointed in 1976 by the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Although several southerners like Jumoke Akinjide, Akpan Udo-Udehe, and others have been appointed FCT minister of state, they did not get the senior position since Ajose-Adeogun.
It has taken forty-seven years for a non-northerner to occupy the position again.
Coincidentally, just like in 1976, the new minister was appointed by a fellow Southerner.