Akpabio Sides with Wike, Bashes FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe

•Says bus terminal will enhance public transportation system in nation’s capital

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

In open support and a ringing endorsement, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, scathingly rebuked Senator Ireti Kingibe over her remarks against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Senator Akpabio delivered the reproach at the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of Kugbo Bus Terminal in the Federal Capital Territory.

Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, had thrown jibes at Wike on Arise News Network, accusing the minister of not carrying her along, among other sundry allegations.

But Akpabio, who was the guest of honour at the inauguration of the bus terminal, urged Wike to ignore the distraction from Kingibe.

“A lot of people will say things. I saw a legislator on television saying something about and mentioning the fact that she was not carried along. Well, she is a member of senate,  when decision is taken, she is bound by the decision.

“Please, ignore every distraction and then rest assured that no matter what you do, not everyone will praise you. No matter what you do other will still try to find fault.

“Look at where we are today, we are now about to flag-off a major infrastructure that will touch the lives of people from Kugbo, Nyanyan, Karu and others.”

Akpabio described the project as a significant milestone in the on-going efforts to enhance the infrastructure and public transportation system of the nation’s capital city.

“The development of these bus terminals is more than just a construction project; it is a testament to the good works and commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s government to the progress and modernisation of Nigeria,” he said.

The Senate President said the terminal would serve as a vital hub that would facilitate the efficient movement of people, reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike in the city.

He also noted that the Kugbo Bus Terminal was designed to be state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort, safety, and convenience for all users.

Akpabio stated that the project was in tune with  broader vision for Abuja as a model city, not just within Nigeria, but across the entire African continent, saying with the terminals, government was laying a solid foundation for sustainable urban development.

 He lauded, however, Wike for the remarkable strides he made within a period of one year in transforming the capital into a modern city with efficient infrastructure.

Wike, in his remarks, applauded Akpabio for accepting to personally flag-off the project as well as the chairmen of the Senate and House Committee of FCT for their support through funding in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

He assured the project would be completed and ready for use in in the next 12 to 15 months and would guarantee the safety of commuters, as those who would be saddled with the running of the parks were already working and planning towards its take-off.

“The project when completed would be operated by a private body, not the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW). We will ensure that whatever is obtainable in developed countries in the sectors would be done here to enhance patronage and confidence,” he said.