President Bola Tinubu has approved the provision of brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has disclosed.
Wike said the vehicles would be delivered to the monarchs before December, describing the approval as recognition of their contributions to peace, security and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The minister made the announcement on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Rally and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director of Press in the FCT Minister’s Office, Rabi Umar, Wike said the approval followed the upgrading of traditional stools after 27 years without such an adjustment.
He explained that the provision of official vehicles would enhance the dignity and status of traditional rulers across the territory.
“Mr President has said that you cannot just answer royal fathers by mouth. You cannot just answer royal fathers by entering Keke Napep. You cannot answer royal fathers by entering Okada. All of you, by the grace of God, before December, you will go with your SUV cars,” Wike said.
He described the FCT traditional institution as deserving of greater recognition and empowerment.
Wike also announced that Tinubu had approved four buses for youths in the FCT to support their mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027 Area Council elections.
The minister scheduled November 10 for an interactive meeting with youths from the six area councils.
He also promised a separate engagement with persons with disabilities, insisting that physical disability does not diminish an individual’s capacity.
The rally attracted traditional rulers, area council chairmen, indigenous community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as political stakeholders from different parties, including the APC and PDP.
The gathering also featured a joint endorsement of President Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
Other candidates endorsed included former Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. John Gabaya for Abuja North and Hon. Danladi Chiya for Abuja South Federal Constituency.
Wike urged political leaders and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation to secure victory for the endorsed candidates.
He challenged party stakeholders to take responsibility for delivering their polling units, wards and area councils.
“Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward, deliver your local government, deliver your state,” he charged.
The minister warned supporters against taking credit for electoral victories when they had failed to secure their own polling units.
“I don’t want to hear: I lost my polling unit, but we won. If you lose your polling unit, don’t say we won because you never contributed to the victory,” he said.
Wike also expressed confidence that Aduda would return to the Senate in 2027, arguing that the former lawmaker had maintained closer ties with his constituents.
He said the political mistakes made during the 2023 elections must be corrected ahead of the next polls.
“To God be the glory, come January 2027, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda will be elected because he identifies with you and cares about you,” Wike declared.
The minister subsequently questioned the performance of the incumbent FCT senator, asking whether he had convened meetings with constituents or sponsored legislation addressing issues affecting the territory.
