Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, defended Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike against criticism over flooding in parts of Abuja arguing that residents also bear responsibility for practices that can worsen flooding across the capital.
Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the remarks in Abuja as public attention focused on flooding and the condition of drainage infrastructure in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
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The lawmaker said it was unfair to place the entire responsibility for flooding on Wike, pointing to road, drainage, transportation and other infrastructure projects undertaken by the FCT Administration.
“Blaming Wike for the flood in the FCT is like the Israelites blaming Moses for helping them to the Promised Land,” Agbese said.
He argued that government intervention could not fully address flooding without cooperation from residents, particularly where human activities obstruct drainage channels or waterways.
“At some point, we must appreciate transformative leadership and understand that government cannot solve every problem without the cooperation of the people,” he said.
Agbese cited the FCT Administration’s reported completion of 221 kilometres of roads out of 317 kilometres awarded in satellite towns since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The figures were also disclosed by Wike during a July road project inauguration.
The minister said the remaining 96 kilometres were still under construction, while highlighting other projects across the territory.
Among the projects cited by Agbese were the Gwarampa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road and sections of the Outer Southern Expressway.
Wike has previously challenged critics to dispute his administration’s road figures, saying he would resign as FCT minister if the 317-kilometre contract figure and 221-kilometre completion figure were proven false.
The flooding debate, however, extends beyond road construction and political accountability.
A recent study of Abuja’s urban drainage system found that rapid urban expansion, increased built-up areas, clogged drainage networks and inadequate maintenance were contributing to increased surface runoff and flood risks.
The study also identified waste, debris and sediment as factors undermining drainage effectiveness.
The Federal Capital Development Authority has similarly identified obstruction of waterways and inadequate hydraulic structures as longstanding contributors to flooding in parts of Abuja.
The agency has previously warned against developments that constrict natural watercourses.
The issue has remained a recurring concern during the rainy season.
In May, heavy rainfall caused flooding around Wuye, creating severe traffic congestion and leaving some vehicles stranded.
Residents and motorists attributed the problem partly to blocked drainage channels and called for urgent intervention.
The FCT Administration has also taken steps aimed at improving flood preparedness.
In July, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency began identifying vulnerable communities and conducting preparedness activities ahead of expected flooding, following directives from Wike.
Wike has also inspected drainage, sewer and road works around the World Trade Centre and Abuja Metro Rail corridor, areas that have experienced flooding and traffic disruption during heavy rainfall.
On Tuesday, reports also emerged that Wike had ordered the demolition of structures built on water channels in Maitama and other flood-prone areas, following flooding in parts of the capital.
Agbese nevertheless described Wike as “a prophet who is not honoured at home”, arguing that the minister’s infrastructure record deserved recognition alongside legitimate demands for improvements.
“Wike is like the Biblical prophet who is not honoured at home.
At a time the man is being celebrated globally, some persons are still calling him names,” he said.
The lawmaker added that acknowledging government achievements should not prevent residents from demanding solutions where problems remain.
“We should be able to acknowledge the good works being done while also demanding that areas requiring improvement are addressed,” Agbese said.
The debate therefore places two responsibilities alongside each other: the government’s duty to provide and maintain effective drainage and flood-control infrastructure, and the responsibility of residents and developers to avoid practices that obstruct waterways or worsen stormwater flow.
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With the rainy season continuing, the effectiveness of those measures will ultimately be judged not only by completed roads and infrastructure projects, but also by whether vulnerable communities experience fewer disruptions when heavy rainfall returns.
