.Says Eagle Square Access Open to All Who Follow Procedure

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was denied access to Eagle Square for its proposed convention, insisting that no such request was formally submitted to the appropriate authorities.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing projects across the FCT on Monday, Wike described the allegation as baseless and challenged those behind it to provide evidence of any official application.

“I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to,” he said. “If it is the ADC, then such claims are often attempts to gain public sympathy. As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to my office or any relevant authority for the use of Eagle Square.”

The minister explained that access to the iconic venue, Eagle Square, is open to all groups, provided due process is followed.

“The process is straightforward. Anyone who wishes to use Eagle Square must apply through the appropriate channel and make the required payment,” Wike said, noting that both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress had previously complied with the same procedure for their conventions.

“We do not deny any group access as long as they follow the established procedures. In fact, such events generate revenue for the government,” he added, urging any party alleging discrimination to present proof of a duly acknowledged application.

Wike’s remarks came as he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory.

He said contractors had assured the government of timely delivery, with key road projects expected to be completed by May 15, while installation of streetlights would be finalised before the end of the month.

At Gaduwa, the minister directed the addition of protective mesh along road corridors to prevent encroachment by traders, while also expressing confidence in the progress of streetlight installations in the area.

He further inspected a major development in Wassa aimed at relocating informal sector operators, particularly mechanics, to a purpose-built facility. Wike said the project represents a long-awaited fulfilment of promises by successive administrations to provide a conducive working environment for artisans.

The contractor handling the project, CGC Nigeria Limited, has, according to him, pledged to complete the work by the end of May, while the administration is already working out modalities for the relocation process.

On whether the President would personally commission the projects, Wike noted that the volume of completed works might make it difficult for him to attend all ceremonies, adding that some projects could be inaugurated by designated representatives.

Responding to reports that a newly constructed bus terminal in Kugbo collapsed following a storm, the minister clarified that the structure remained intact, explaining that only sections of the roofing were blown off by strong winds.

“The terminal did not collapse. What happened was that a very strong windstorm removed parts of the roof. The structural integrity of the building remains intact,” he said.

He added that the facility’s location on elevated terrain made it more susceptible to extreme weather conditions, stressing that such incidents occur globally and do not necessarily indicate construction defects.

Wike assured that repair works were already underway and ruled out any sanction against the contractor, maintaining that the damage resulted from natural causes rather than structural failure.