Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, has asked businesspeople to give Nyesom Wike, the incoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, all the support he requires to improve security in the megacity and foster an environment that will enable the growth of commercial activity.
The statement was made by Ganduje on Tuesday when he hosted a delegation from the Arewa Traders Association at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Three days prior, the former Kano governor had formally welcomed six party zonal officers into the National Working Committee.
After the meeting with the traders from the 19 Northern states and Abuja, Wike spoke to the media. According to Ganduje, Wike is a capable minister who would apply the lessons he learned from Rivers state’s spectacular transformation to the FCT.
“You have a qualified honorable minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the former governor of River State, Nyesom Wike, who came from a major metropolis himself but now has another mandate to run another huge city like the Federal Capital Territory,” he said. Therefore, I implore you to work with him so that he can establish a respectable climate for business activity in the megacity of Abuja. The improvement of Abuja’s transportation system is one of his top priorities, which he identified as security.
As businesspeople, you are aware of how crucial transportation is to the city. He will enhance the lighting in Abuja so that trading may continue into the night. We appreciate you being here and have taken notice of your request. As a political party, we can ensure you that we will include you in all of our political party events. Although there will be elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States on November 11 and traders are present in each of these states, you will have access to them so they may actively participate in the election.
I can guarantee you, Mr. President, that he is fostering an environment that allows you to carry out your lawful operations. On the nation’s security, he is working incredibly hard. We are all aware of how crucial security is to traders since without it, there can be no trade, marketing, and, most crucially, no feeding.
Adam Ibrahim, the head of the Arewa Traders Association, congratulated Ganduje on his recent election as the national chairman of the APC earlier in his speech and said that their members are firmly behind him and hoping for his success.
Ibrahim also urged for inclusive politics that would allow some of their members to actively take part in national affairs.
“Sir, Arewa Traders Association supports Tinubu-Shettima programme for all lawful traders in the 19 Northern States and the FCT who have unanimously resolved to work day and night for the successful election of the president, his deputy, and all APC candidates across all levels.
“Your Excellency, we would want to make a request of you. As a leader and parent, please listen to the concerns of the people, as you did when you were governor of Kano State. You are aware of the academic sophistication of the members of this wonderful organization. In order for merchants to feel confidence participating in the party’s electoral campaign, we would like you to use your good offices to offer a good structure for their inclusion in the various governmental appointments and committees.
“Our members are having financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the elimination of the fuel subsidy, the high currency rate, and the level of insecurity in various regions of the nation. Therefore, we are kindly asking for your support and intervention,” he stated.
