President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of empty promises and abandoned projects across Nigeria is over, assuring citizens that his administration is focused on bridging the gap between promises and performance by delivering projects that directly impact communities.
Speaking through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace; Radio Nigeria; New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday, Tinubu said his government was not only building roads and infrastructure but also restoring trust in governance.
“What brings us together on this historic day is more than a road. It is a reminder that no community under this administration is too far to be seen and nobody is too pained to be heard,” Shettima said. “I am deeply fulfilled by what this signifies – that we are steadily bridging the gap between promise and performance. This road is a corridor of dignity for market women, a path to safety for our school children, and a road to prosperity for the hardworking traders. The days of empty promises and abandoned projects are behind us”.
He emphasised that the Gwagwalada project was not imposed from above but nominated by the local people themselves – an example of the responsive democracy the Tinubu administration says it is committed to.
“These projects were nominated by the people of Gwagwalada themselves. This is the kind of democracy we believe in: one that listens, one that responds, and one that delivers”, he said.
Shettima praised the transformation unfolding in the FCT under Minister Nyesom Wike, describing it as the product of deliberate reforms and bold, reform-oriented policies. He noted that expanding the territory’s revenue base has enabled investments in roads, schools, hospitals, and improved public services. “The FCT is undergoing a quiet revolution – from rehabilitated health centres to improved learning environments for children, safer roads, and a more responsible public service”, Shettima added.
He also commended Wike’s leadership, calling him one of the most colourful figures in Nigerian politics and praising his “no-holds-barred attitude”.
In his remarks, Minister Wike took a swipe at opposition figures who he claimed are bitter about the administration’s achievements and have resorted to forming coalitions against Tinubu just months into his tenure.
“When will you stop deceiving Nigerians? Somebody comes into office for six months and you start a coalition claiming he hasn’t performed. But you had the opportunity to be Senate President for eight years, Speaker for four years, Minister for eight years – what did you do to make Nigerians happy?” Wike queried.
He challenged political rivals to present their own scorecards instead of inciting Nigerians. “This time, it is ‘operation show your scorecard.’ You had the chance to serve, you failed, and now you’re angry. You won’t come back to power through deceit”, he declared.
He also threw a jab at his predecessor as Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of plunging the country into debt through loans and inciting Nigerians to revolt while his own children live abroad. “Anyone calling for revolt should start with their own children. Let them lead it from Rivers State. Not that their children are abroad while they incite others. We are ready for them”, the Minister said.
He vowed that under Tinubu’s leadership, development would not remain a privilege for a few but a right for all Nigerians — and that opponents bent on disruption would not derail the administration’s mission.
“Mr. President, be proud. You have changed the narrative. Let those who refuse to be happy remain unhappy. We are happy seeing their frustration. When the time comes, they will face us”, Wike declared.
