“Blame residents, not Wike” — Reps spokesman defends FCT Minister over Abuja floods

Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against criticism over recent flooding in parts of Abuja, arguing that residents also have a responsibility to prevent activities that worsen flooding.

Mr Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the remarks in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Mr Agbese said it was unfair to hold Mr Wike responsible for the flooding, pointing to infrastructure projects undertaken by the FCT Administration in roads, drainage, transportation and other areas.

“Blaming Wike for the flood in the FCT is like the Israelites blaming Moses for helping them to the Promised Land,” he said.

“At some point, we must appreciate transformative leadership and understand that the government cannot solve every problem without the cooperation of the people.”

The debate comes after heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Abuja, reigniting concerns over drainage infrastructure, waste disposal, urban planning and development along waterways.

The defence of Mr Wike also comes amid wider scrutiny of the FCT Administration’s handling of flooding. Separately, the minister has ordered the demolition of structures built on designated waterways following inspections of affected areas, while officials have identified illegal structures on revoked drainage areas as part of the problem.

Mr Agbese said the administration had expanded infrastructure development beyond Abuja city centre into satellite towns, with 221 kilometres of the 317 kilometres of roads awarded in satellite towns completed since the President Bola Tinubu administration came into office.

FCT infrastructure projects highlighted

Mr Agbese cited the Gwarampa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road and sections of the Outer Southern Expressway among projects completed and inaugurated by the FCT Administration.

He described Mr Wike as “a prophet who is not honoured at home,” arguing that while the minister’s performance had received recognition, some residents remained focused on isolated challenges.

“Wike is like the Biblical prophet who is not honoured at home. At a time the man is being celebrated globally, some pe

rsons are still calling him names. We should be able to acknowledge the good works being done while also demanding that areas requiring improvement are addressed,” he said.

Residents urged to stop blocking waterways

The lawmaker said flooding in Abuja should be treated as a shared responsibility, particularly as rapid population growth, construction and other human activities continue to put pressure on drainage systems and natural waterways.

He specifically blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse for worsening flooding in some areas, arguing that residents sometimes block drainage channels and waterways with waste before heavy rainfall.

“Residents also have a role to play. You cannot dump refuse into waterways and drainage channels and then turn around to blame the minister when the rain comes, and the water has nowhere to pass,” Mr Agbese said.

He urged residents to stop using drainage channels and waterways as dumping grounds and to report blocked or encroached waterways to relevant authorities.

FCTA urged to strengthen flood control

While defending the FCT Minister, Mr Agbese also called on the FCT Administration to sustain investment in drainage and flood-control infrastructure and strengthen enforcement against indiscriminate dumping and encroachment on waterways.

He said residents should see themselves as partners in Abuja’s development rather than merely beneficiaries of government projects.

“Abuja belongs to all of us. We must work with the FCT Administration to protect the infrastructure being provided and keep our communities clean. Government has its responsibilities, but citizens also have theirs,” he said.

He added that criticism of government should be constructive and accompanied by responsible citizenship.

Mr Agbese said the ultimate objective should be to build an FCT capable of coping with population growth, extreme weather and increased human activity, rather than turning every flooding incident into an avenue for political blame.