The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed the success of recent infrastructural projects in Abuja to the support of President Bola Tinubu, using a Pidgin English proverb to express the importance of presidential backing.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Right-Hand Service Carriageway in Abuja, the minister praised Tinubu’s leadership, stating that the visible transformation in the capital is a direct result of his commitment.
“Monkey dey jump, monkey dey jump,” Wike said. “Some of you may not understand that adage. When we are doing well, it is because Mr President is giving us support. If he were not, we would not be here.”
The former Rivers governor expanded the metaphor while urging the president not to relent in his support.
“So when we say monkey is jumping, it’s because there is a tree close by. If monkey jumps without a tree, the leg will break,” he added, pledging that he “will continue to do my best under the Renewed Hope Agenda—for the interest of our country and for the interest of Abuja.”
Wike described road infrastructure as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and said the ongoing development in the FCT is planned and necessary. He also thanked President Tinubu for his support and urged him to continue backing the projects.
“Road infrastructure is the driver of any economic growth. We are telling Nigerians that Mr President has done quite well for the people of Abuja and development. So, Mr President, we pray you will continue to support us. Do not relent, because we cannot do anything if you are not giving us support,” the minister stated.
The newly inaugurated Right-Hand Service Carriageway is one of several projects overseen by the FCT Minister since he assumed office. While these developments have received praise for improving infrastructure, they have also attracted criticism over funding priorities.