Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticised former Senate President David Mark, accusing him of failing to improve critical road infrastructure in Benue State despite spending eight uninterrupted years as Nigeria’s third most senior citizen.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during the commissioning of the Interchange at the Arterial Road N16–Ring Road II Junction linking the Jahi and Gwarimpa districts of Abuja. President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Responding to recent criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of which David Mark serves as chairman of a faction, Wike described Mark’s tenure as one that left the Akwanga-Makurdi road in poor condition. He noted that the road was awarded during Mark’s time as Senate President, when the Peoples Democratic Party controlled the federal government.
“He was Senate President for two terms—about eight uninterrupted years. The road from Akwanga to Makurdi was awarded when he was Senate President and the ruling government then was his own party,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister further stated: “The poor people could not afford to go home to Makurdi because there was no road. But the Senate President then, who is now the chairman of a faction of the ADC, was flying with a helicopter. How many poor people have helicopters?”
Wike contrasted the situation with the current administration, claiming significant improvements in road infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu. “Today, by this administration, we can now drive freely to Makurdi,” he declared.
The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between key figures in Nigeria’s political landscape and the persistent challenges of infrastructure development in parts of the country, particularly in Benue State.
