‘Former Chairman, Senate Committee is instrumental to achievements in the Federal Capital’ – Minister

The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has hinted that the Former Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Abubukar Kyari was instrumental to the laudable achievements the administration has recorded in infrastructural developments within the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Malam Bello stated this when he led a delegation of top management officials of the FCT Administration to the APC National Secretariat, Abuja, on a thank-you and congratulatory visit to Sen. Kyari who recently assumed office as the  Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Minister expressed the administration’s appreciation to Sen. Abubakar Kyari for his commitment to the development of the Federal Capital Territory while he served as Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT.

According to him, “Basically, we have come here as a team to convey to you our deep and sincere appreciation for how you conducted the affairs of the FCT Senate Committee.

“Also, the way you interfaced very closely with myself, the Hon. Minister of State, the Permanent Secretary, the Chief of Staff,  and all the senior management staff. 

“In all our official encounters with you, you did it with dedication to duty and passion for the development of the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are particularly delighted with this (elevation) because quite frankly, we know you are the right person for the job at the right time.”

The Minister added, “We want to use this opportunity to congratulate you for your well-deserved elevation to the post of Deputy National Chairman (North) of the APC.

“A gold fish has no hiding place. For those of us who have known you for quite some time, you are well positioned to take this responsibility. You have served as a public officer in various capacities-as Commissioner and Chief of Staff, and you have done very well also as a politician.

“You have served your state and the Senate diligently and now, by the grace of God, you are going to serve members of the party in the 19 States in the North, and by extension, the nation at large,” the Minister added.

While responding, Senator Abubakar Kyari revealed that he left the Senate with mixed feelings because it was a time the Senate Committee on the FCT had laid down measures to bring about a lot of positive changes in the FCT.

He said, “owing to dedication of the Hon. Minister and staff of the FCTA and FCDA.”

Sen. Kyari hailed the Bello-led FCT Administration for completing existing infrastructure and laying foundations for new ones.

He noted that Abuja’s Medical City, when completed, would be comparable with that of Dubai Medical City.

He also listed the Greater Abuja Water Project and the Karshi Water Project as some of the other legacy projects under the current FCT Administration.

The APC Deputy National Chairman, however pointed out that the population explosion challenge which forced relocation of capital out of Lagos was currently facing the FCT and exerting undue pressure on existing facilities.

“But with the proactive steps taken now and others on the way, I believe we will be able to match up those infrastructure,” he added.

Sen. Kyari also noted that development of the satellite towns would cater for the majority of the people, saying “I’m glad that we could see the expansion and return to the mass rail transit, which is one way of relieving the pressure on the road transportation from the satellite towns into Abuja.”

On the entourage of the FCT Minister were the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Executive Secretary, FCDA Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Mandate Secretaries, senior aides to the Minister and other top management officials of the FCTA.

E/Suzan O.