Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against criticism over the recent flooding in parts of Abuja, saying residents also contribute to the problem.
Agbese, the Labour Party lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the remarks in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said blaming Wike for the flooding was unfair, noting that the FCT Administration had invested in roads, drainage, transportation and other infrastructure across the territory.
“Blaming Wike for the flood in the FCT is like the Israelites blaming Moses for helping them to the Promised Land,” Agbese said. He added that government could not address every challenge without the cooperation of residents.
The lawmaker cited several projects completed under the FCT Administration, including the Gwarampa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road and parts of the Outer Southern Expressway. He also said 221 kilometres of the 317 kilometres of roads awarded in satellite towns had been completed since the Tinubu administration assumed office.
Agbese described Wike as a “prophet who is not honoured at home,” saying the minister’s infrastructure efforts had received recognition despite criticism over unresolved challenges.
On the flooding, he said rapid population growth, construction and other human activities had placed additional pressure on Abuja’s drainage systems and natural waterways.
He particularly criticised indiscriminate dumping of refuse, saying blocked drainage channels could worsen flooding during heavy rainfall. “You cannot dump refuse into waterways and drainage channels and then turn around to blame the minister when the rain comes,” he said.
Agbese urged the FCT Administration to sustain investment in drainage and flood-control infrastructure while strengthening enforcement against illegal construction and waste disposal. He also called on residents to report blocked or encroached waterways.
He said Abuja’s development should be treated as a shared responsibility, urging residents to support government efforts while demanding improvements where necessary. “Government has its responsibilities, but citizens also have theirs,” he said.
