Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “monumental development and progress” in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike.

Ortom, who accompanied the FCT Minister to inspect some infrastructural projects in Abuja on Friday,
commended the President’s decision to appoint Wike (his long-time friend and fellow opposition figure) to oversee the affairs of the FCT, despite political differences. Ortom emphasized that the decision reflects President Tinubu’s willingness to place national interest above partisan politics.

“I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding our friend worthy of serving as the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, specifically the Federal Capital Territory. This is a great feat,” Ortom said.

Drawing from his experience in politics since 1982 and his time as a former minister, Ortom stated that the level of transformation witnessed in Abuja over the past year is unprecedented.

“I’ve seen several other Ministers in the Federal Capital Territory, but this is the first time I’m seeing monumental development and progress made,” he noted. “In fact, I now need a guide to take me around the Federal Capital Territory because of the changes.”

Ortom cited infrastructure developments such as the Kubu and Mabushi bus terminals as examples of the kind of modernization typically seen abroad but now being realized in Nigeria’s capital.

He praised President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” crediting it with rekindling progress despite the nation’s economic and security challenges. Ortom acknowledged the gravity of these issues but called for unity across party lines to support the President’s reform efforts.

“Yes, we have challenges as a country… But truly, we can testify to the fact that the time Mr. President came in, he came in when the country was at its lowest, and today, he is trying to lift the country back on its feet again,” he stated.

Highlighting the inclusive nature of Tinubu’s administration, Ortom lauded the appointment of individuals from outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Wike, who is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“If Mr. President were a partisan man, he would not bring my friend in. There are several other people that he has brought on board who are not members of the APC, but who he feels can add value to the development of our country,” Ortom said.

He urged Nigerians to set aside political differences and support the administration’s reform agenda to ensure the nation’s progress.

“Let us leave politics aside and join hands with him to ensure that we are not distracting him about 2027 and so on. Let us work together with him, because he means well,” Ortom added.

The former Benue governor reaffirmed his pride in Wike’s performance and expressed gratitude to God for the achievements witnessed in the FCT, calling for continued support to sustain the momentum of development.