Using a Pidgin English proverb to highlight the significance of presidential assistance, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has credited President Bola Tinubu for helping recent infrastructure projects in Abuja succeed.
The minister commended Tinubu’s leadership during the opening of the recently built Right-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja on Tuesday, saying that his dedication is directly responsible for the capital’s apparent change. “Monkey dey jump, monkey dey jump,” Wike exclaimed.
Some of you may not understand that adage. When we are doing well, it is because Mr President is giving us support. If he were not, we would not be here.
While imploring the president to remain steadfast in his support, the former state lead representative of Rivers elaborated on the metaphor.
“So when we say monkey is jumping, it’s because there is a tree close by. If monkey jumps without a tree, the leg will break,” he said, pledging that he “will continue to do my best under the Renewed Hope Agenda—for the interest of our country and for the interest of Abuja.”
According to Wike, road infrastructure is essential to Nigeria’s economic expansion, and the FCT’s continuous development is both planned and required. Additionally, he urged President Tinubu to keep supporting the initiatives and thanked him for his assistance.
“Road infrastructure is the driver of any economic growth. We are telling Nigerians that Mr President has done quite well for the people of Abuja and development. So, Mr President, we pray you will continue to support us. Do not relent, because we cannot do anything if you are not giving us support,” the minister added.
Since taking office, the FCT Minister has been in charge of a number of projects, including the recently opened Right-Hand Service Carriageway. These developments have drawn criticism for their financial priorities even if they have been praised for their improvements to infrastructure.
The ₦39 billion refurbishment of the Abuja International Conference Centre, which was recently renamed in honor of President Bola Tinubu, is one of the most contentious projects. Opposition organizations and the general public have expressed concern over the project’s expense.
Wike, however, has defended the expenditure, claiming that the president’s support makes progress possible. In response, Tinubu called Wike a “performing minister” and advised him to disregard “bystanders and busybodies.”
