Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, recently took a stand that transcends political divides. In a powerful call to action, Ortom urged fellow Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The focus of his appeal was the remarkable transformation unfolding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the stewardship of Minister Nyesom Wike.
During an on-site inspection of various ongoing projects in Abuja alongside Wike, Ortom marveled at the unprecedented pace and scale of development he witnessed. As someone who has been deeply entrenched in Nigerian politics since 1982 and even served as a minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Ortom’s endorsement carries significant weight.
“I’ve seen several Ministers of the FCT, but this is the first time I am witnessing monumental development in Abuja,”
Ortom expressed with admiration. Such words from a seasoned politician underscore the magnitude of progress happening under Wike’s leadership.
Ortom stressed the importance of setting aside partisan differences for the greater good, emphasizing that national advancement requires collective effort beyond individual affiliations.
“Mr. President alone cannot fix Nigeria. We need to join hands with him, irrespective of party affiliations. Let us put politics aside and support what is good,”
he articulated passionately.
The former governor also commended Tinubu for prioritizing national interest over political considerations by appointing Wike—a prominent opposition figure—to head such a critical ministry. Reflecting on this decision, Ortom remarked,
“If Mr. President was a partisan leader, he wouldn’t have appointed Wike… But he saw capacity, and that’s leadership.”
Furthermore, Ortom highlighted specific infrastructural marvels reshaping Abuja’s landscape under Wike’s watchful eye. From major roadworks to world-class bus terminals and innovative transportation systems like painted taxis aimed at modernizing urban mobility—each development stands as a testament to progressive governance.
“I’ve seen Kugbo and Mabushi terminals—these are facilities we usually see abroad… To now see them in our own capital is something to celebrate,”
shared Ortom enthusiastically.
Even for someone like Ortom who has called Abuja home since 2008, navigating through the city post-Wike era proved challenging due to its transformative metamorphosis within just one year.
“I have lived in Abuja since 2008… but with what I see today, I need a guide to move around. That’s how much the city has changed in just one year,”
he revealed with genuine surprise.
Ortom’s unequivocal endorsement serves as both validation and encouragement for ongoing efforts towards national development unity amidst diverse political landscapes—an essential narrative echoing far beyond party lines.
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