Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed protesters who appeared at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N5 project in Abuja, insisting that attempts to undermine his administration’s development efforts would not succeed.
The minister made the remarks in a video aired by Channels Television, on Wednesday, 10 June, 2026, during the inauguration of the road project, one of several infrastructure developments being undertaken by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under his leadership.
Reacting to the presence of demonstrators carrying placards at the event, Wike suggested that the protesters had been mobilised by individuals opposed to his administration’s activities.
He said: “These people who are carrying placards here. Let me tell you, if you like, if people sent you to come and carry placard, it will not work.”
The former Rivers State governor spoke while addressing guests, government officials, and residents who gathered for the commissioning of the road project. He maintained that his administration would remain focused on delivering critical infrastructure despite criticism from political opponents.
Wike argued that the achievements recorded in Abuja through road construction and urban renewal projects were visible to residents and could not be overshadowed by protests or political campaigns. According to him, the government’s commitment to development remains unwavering.
The Arterial Road N5 project is regarded as a key transportation corridor designed to improve connectivity and ease traffic movement within parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The road is among several projects commissioned as part of efforts to modernise infrastructure in the nation’s capital.