Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over recent flooding incidents in Abuja, saying residents also have a responsibility to prevent activities that contribute to flooding across the capital city.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, stated this in Abuja while reacting to criticism directed at the Federal Capital Territory Administration following flooding in parts of the nation’s capital.
According to the lawmaker, it is unfair to hold the FCT Minister solely responsible for the flooding, citing ongoing infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration to improve roads, drainage systems and transportation networks across Abuja and its satellite communities.
“Blaming Wike for the flood in the FCT is like the Israelites blaming Moses for helping them to the Promised Land.
“At some point, we must appreciate transformative leadership and understand that government cannot solve every problem without the cooperation of the people,” Agbese said.
He noted that infrastructure development under the current administration had extended beyond the city centre, adding that significant progress had been recorded on road projects in satellite towns.
The lawmaker also highlighted projects such as the Gwarampa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road and sections of the Outer Southern Expressway as examples of completed and inaugurated infrastructure initiatives.
Agbese described Wike as “a prophet who is not honoured at home,” arguing that while the minister’s efforts have attracted recognition, attention is often 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 persons 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.
The lawmaker maintained that flooding in a rapidly growing city like Abuja should be viewed as a shared responsibility, especially as increased construction activities, population growth and environmental practices place pressure on drainage infrastructure.
He blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways for worsening flooding in some communities.
“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,” Agbese said.
He urged residents to keep drainage channels clear, report blocked waterways to authorities and support efforts aimed at improving environmental sanitation across the FCT.
Agbese also called on the FCT Administration to continue investing in drainage and flood-control infrastructure while strengthening enforcement against environmental violations, stressing that residents should see themselves as partners in the development of Abuja.
