The Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, has pledged unprecedented political support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Speaking on behalf of the Council of Chiefs in the Kwali Area Council, the monarch declared that residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are prepared to mobilize massively to ensure the President’s return to office, citing significant development strides achieved during the current administration.
Addressing stakeholders at a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Kwali on Monday, Nizassan stated that the Tinubu administration has accomplished more for the FCT in three years than previous governments. He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, civil service reforms, and the elevation of traditional institutions as key factors behind the traditional rulers' commitment to the President's second term. The monarch noted that four greater chiefs, 15 district heads, and community representatives across Kwali are already committed to this political movement.
“You will agree with me that the FCT has never had it this good. In 2023, when Nigerians went out to elect political leaders who would lead the country for four years, Kwali was able to deliver for Mr President. Despite that, the President and Commander-in-Chief gave us opportunities we had never had. Within three years, the President has done what previous administrations could not achieve for us. We want to thank Mr President,” he said.
Nizassan specifically credited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with championing the establishment of a full-fledged civil service for the territory, which he argued has created opportunities for indigenous people to rise to senior positions. He cited the appointment of Florence Okonkwo as Permanent Secretary in the Transportation Secretariat and an indigene of Kwali as Acting Director of Works as evidence of these benefits. Additionally, the monarch pointed to the appointment of Honourable Disalo to a strategic national board, describing it as an unprecedented recognition for the community.
On the infrastructure front, the Etsu of Kwali listed several road projects that have improved connectivity in the area, including the Dr Ladi Kwali Road, Sukuku-Yangoji Road, and the A2-Pai, Pai-Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada-Dafa, and Dafa-Yangoji roads. He stated that these projects, along with ongoing construction, are set to connect all 10 political wards in the area council to the central ward and the FCT city. The monarch also praised the administration’s revenue and tax reforms, claiming that the FCT’s internally generated revenue has increased from approximately N9 billion to over N40 billion, enabling area councils to clear salary arrears and undertake development projects.
The traditional ruler further commended the administration for upgrading FCT traditional rulers, noting that his own elevation to first-class status has restored dignity to traditional institutions and enhanced their national recognition. He disclosed that this promotion has granted FCT traditional rulers greater access to national platforms, including the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he has served on more than six committees. Nizassan also defended the President’s economic reforms as courageous decisions taken in the national interest, despite initial criticism.
Nizassan described the political relationship as one of reciprocal obligations, arguing that the administration had responded to community demands made during town hall meetings and project commissioning events. He concluded by declaring that the traditional rulers and their subjects would throw their weight behind the President, stating, “He has done his part, and it is our turn to do our part.”
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
