In this interview with Justina SIMON of THE WHISTLER, he also discusses transportation, affordable housing, agriculture, the concerns of the FCT’s original inhabitants, electoral politics and his proposals for improving the lives of residents.
You are seeking election to represent the FCT in the Senate. What is driving your ambition, and what makes you believe you are the right candidate?
My ambition is to fix the FCT. I am contesting under the Social Democratic Party, and my symbol is the white horse.
For me, this is about addressing the problems confronting residents and ensuring that the territory works better for the people who live here. I have been involved in the process for years, and I believe the FCT needs representation that understands its challenges and can work towards practical solutions.
You contested the FCT Senate seat in 2023 against Ireti Kingibe. What do you think went wrong?
I believe the Obedient movement played a major role in the outcome of that election. Many people voted based on the movement and the emotions surrounding it.
Before the election, we had a senatorial debate at Sandralia Hotel in Jabi, where candidates had the opportunity to present their ideas. I believe that, based on what was presented, people could assess who had the strongest understanding of the issues.
I have been contesting for the seat, and I believe I have the experience and ideas needed to represent the FCT effectively. However, elections are decided by voters, and people made their choices at the time.
What does Fix FCT mean, and what are the major priorities of the movement?
Fix FCT is about addressing the fundamental problems of the territory. It covers infrastructure, food systems, foundational challenges, inclusivity, accountability, jobs and opportunities, as well as building a city that is prepared for the future.
The FCT needs infrastructure that works, but development must also address the welfare of residents. We need to look at how people access opportunities, how we create jobs and how we ensure that development benefits different communities.
The original inhabitants must also be considered. The territory cannot be said to be developing inclusively if the people whose communities existed before the expansion of the city feel excluded from its progress.
The FCT was established 50 years ago in 1976, while the seat of government moved to Abuja in 1991. These milestones should make us reflect on the progress made and the work that remains to be done.
What should be the relationship between an FCT senator and the minister? Should the senator challenge the minister or work with him?
The senator and the minister have different responsibilities, but they should work in the interest of the people. Neither office should be treated as a reason to ignore the other.
A senator has responsibilities that include representation, legislation, engagement and oversight. The minister is responsible for the administration and execution of policies within the FCT.
There are different ways to approach the relationship. You can complement one another, collaborate where necessary, challenge decisions that are not in the public interest and create opportunities for development.
The senator should not simply impose himself on the minister, and the minister should not behave as if the senator has no role to play. They should understand their responsibilities and work towards results for residents.
For example, a senator can pursue constituency projects such as renovating a school or establishing a football ground in an area such as Gwarinpa. The important thing is to identify the needs of the people and use the available responsibilities and resources to address them.
What is your assessment of Senator Ireti Kingibe’s representation of the FCT?
I have concerns about her engagement with the people. In my experience, there are communities and areas where residents do not feel adequately represented.
I also wrote her a congratulatory letter after the 2023 senatorial debate, but she did not respond to it. These are some of the experiences that informed my assessment.
Representation should involve consistent engagement with residents, listening to their concerns and making sure their needs are reflected in decisions. A senator should not be distant from the people she represents.
How can the FCT ensure that the 2027 election is free, fair and credible?
The people must participate and take the election seriously. When citizens turn out in large numbers and pay attention to the process, it becomes more difficult for anyone to manipulate their choices without scrutiny.
I believe the political atmosphere in 2023, particularly the Obedient movement, influenced the outcome of the election. But going forward, voters should examine candidates, their records and what they intend to do for the people.
The electoral process must be credible, and citizens must be able to trust that their votes count.
What is your assessment of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s performance?
I give him credit for the roads and infrastructure projects that have been undertaken. However, development should not be assessed only by the number of roads constructed.
We need to look at education, healthcare, employment and transportation. These are areas that directly affect the daily lives of residents.
I am concerned about the education sector, including the disruption to schooling caused by disputes involving teachers. Children should not be left out of school for extended periods without a lasting solution.
Healthcare is another important issue. Residents should be able to access appropriate medical services without facing unnecessary difficulties or having to travel elsewhere for treatment that should be available to them.
We also need a clear strategy for employment and economic opportunities. People need more than infrastructure; they need livelihoods and access to essential services.
Transportation is another area where the administration needs to improve coordination. A growing city requires a transport system that is accessible, affordable and properly planned.
If elected, what are the major projects or legislative priorities you would pursue?
One of my priorities is the establishment and development of an FCT Agricultural Research and Development Centre. Agriculture is important to food security, employment and economic development, and the territory should make better use of opportunities in the sector.
I also want attention given to the University of Science and Technology in Abaji. We need to examine what is required to move the institution forward and ensure that the people of the FCT benefit from access to higher education.
Affordable housing is another major priority. Housing is a serious concern for many residents, and we need approaches that make decent accommodation more accessible.
Beyond these, I would focus on the concerns of the original inhabitants, the quality of public services and stronger institutions for the governance of the FCT.
What is your position on the role of opposition parties in the FCT and Nigeria’s democracy?
Opposition parties have a responsibility to provide alternatives and hold the government accountable. Democracy cannot function properly if political competition is weakened or if everyone is expected to support the ruling party.
We have had to resist what we consider attempts to interfere with opposition politics, and the law remains an important avenue for addressing such issues.
I am also concerned about a political culture in which people appear more interested in appointments and positions than in developing policies that will benefit citizens.
The focus should be on ideas, service and accountability, rather than simply moving into government.
What would you do about Abuja’s transportation challenges if elected?
The FCT needs a better public transportation system. We should examine what happened to earlier urban mass transit initiatives and learn from their successes and failures.
I believe there is room for collaboration with the FCT administration, including the minister, to improve the system.
Personally, I am proposing that between 20 and 30 luxury buses could be deployed within a year, with fares set at about half the commercial rate through a subsidy arrangement. The aim would be to make transportation more affordable for residents.
However, the wider problem requires proper planning. Abuja needs a system that connects different modes of transportation and meets the needs of people travelling across the territory.
You mentioned that you had submitted a transportation proposal to the FCT administration many years ago. What did it contain?
About 19 years ago, I submitted a 32-page proposal on multimodal transportation to the FCT Ministry. I had studied transportation systems in places such as Dubai, Birmingham and Washington, and I wanted Abuja to benefit from a more coordinated approach.
I was told that the proposal was already in the pipeline. But the transport challenges we face show why the territory needs to keep examining whether its plans are being implemented effectively.
A properly planned system should not simply involve putting buses on the road. It should connect transport options and make it easier for people to move safely and efficiently.
The issue also relates to security. When people depend on poorly organised transport arrangements, they may become more vulnerable to criminals, including those involved in one-chance robbery and kidnapping.
You have also proposed a ranching model for herders. How would it work?
The idea is to develop a model ranch that provides a more organised environment for cattle rearing. It would go beyond keeping cattle in one place to include facilities that support the people who depend on the activity for their livelihood.
The proposal would involve housing, a school, solar power and internet access, among other facilities. The intention is to provide an organised community and demonstrate an alternative model.
Such a project would require planning, resources and the involvement of relevant stakeholders. It would also need to take account of the needs of herders and the wider concerns surrounding land use, security and relations between communities.
How would you fund such a proposal, given the cost of providing housing, schools, power and other facilities?
I believe that ideas and partnerships are important when looking for funding. International organisations and development partners, including those in Europe, could potentially be approached to support initiatives that address these challenges.
The point is to develop a clear proposal that explains the problem, the intended solution and the benefits. Once the idea is properly developed, it becomes possible to approach potential partners.
There is a saying attributed to Robert Schuller that the problem is not necessarily money but ideas. My position is that we must first develop practical ideas and then work out how to mobilise the resources required to implement them.
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