2027: Planned Coalition Is Bound To Fail, Says Wike.
This road was awarded by your administration, and it is not one of those projects that were inherited. Having worked with you for a few years, I've witnessed how passionate you are about upholding contracts and preventing their abandonment. This job was approved by the council in September last year, and we flagged off the project in October. I told the contractors, "Listen, I don't want to hear any excuses. If I pay you for the dry season, you must work during that time. I don't want to hear that the rains were too heavy; you can't keep our money and then say you need to wait until after the rain to proceed."
Initially, I was skeptical about the contractor, CGC, until you appointed us in August 2023. The road from the presidential villa to the Asokoro interchange was a revelation. I couldn't believe CGC completed it, even though it wasn't awarded under your administration. Everyone saw the quality of work there, which gave me confidence in them. I asked the contractors, "Are you sure Mr. President will commission this project in his second year in office?" They assured me, yes, and I questioned whether I should include it as part of the projected commissioning. I was curious if they were sure, reminding them that keeping their promises is crucial.
What you have done has created confidence in contractors. This road was initially incomplete, and during one of my inspections, I asked where it led. I found out it stopped in an area without connecting to another road, which would impede development. I insisted that the right approach was essential for progress, especially regarding the communities involved.
I spoke with the local chiefs. Although they had their concerns, they recognized the larger issue at hand and settled the matters effectively. For the first time, they were compensated 200%. I emphasized that I didn’t want anything to obstruct the construction of this road. Furthermore, I ensured their compensation allowed them to resettle without any concerns about finding new places to live.
This showed them that hope comes from feeling secure; the government is here to support them. While the extension of this project wasn't originally awarded, due to the growing confidence in CGC, it was approved by the council a month ago even though the job had already been completed before the formal award, demonstrating that trust had been built.
No contractor would have taken such a risk before; they now feel assured that they will be paid for their work. As I speak, companies are competing with one another for contracts without even needing initial mobilization fees. This is a significant shift, and I want to acknowledge the management of CGC for their efforts.
I assure you that none of the contracts awarded under your administration will be abandoned. By the time you reach your third year in office next year, you will see that virtually all the contracts you’ve awarded will be completed, thanks to this rebuilt confidence.
This road serves important areas, leading to the judges' quarters, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the Federal Capital Territory. I am unsure of the exact day the commissioning will take place, but I know the work is finished. The judges' quarters are nearly ready as well. Your Excellency, we cannot thank you enough for allowing us to be part of this development in the country.
This morning, while watching various stations, I was spiritually moved. I couldn't believe people could finally be compensated fairly. Now, I understand I must ensure that we maintain our high standards.
