Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has defended Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against criticism over recent flooding in Abuja, saying residents must also take responsibility for activities that contribute to flooding.

Agbese made the remarks while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, arguing that blaming the FCT minister for every flooding incident was unfair given the infrastructure projects being undertaken across the territory.

“Blaming Wike for the flood in the FCT is like the Israelites blaming Moses for helping them to the Promised Land,” Agbese said.

“At some point, we must appreciate transformative leadership and understand that government cannot solve every problem without the cooperation of the people.”

The Labour Party lawmaker said Wike had pursued projects covering roads, transportation, drainage and other infrastructure since assuming office, including developments in Abuja and its satellite towns.

Agbese said the FCT Administration had completed 221 kilometres of roads out of 317 kilometres awarded in satellite towns since the Tinubu administration came into office, with other projects still ongoing.

He also cited projects including the Gwarinpa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road and sections of the Outer Southern Expressway as examples of infrastructure projects completed or inaugurated under the FCT Administration.

The lawmaker described Wike as “a prophet who is not honoured at home”, arguing that the minister’s work in the territory had received recognition while some residents remained focused on shortcomings.

“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.

“We should be able to acknowledge the good works being done while also demanding that areas requiring improvement are addressed.”

On the flooding, Agbese said the challenge should be viewed as a shared responsibility, particularly as Abuja continues to experience rapid development and population growth.

He specifically criticised indiscriminate dumping of refuse, arguing that waste deposited in drainage channels and waterways could obstruct the flow of stormwater.

“Residents also have a role to play. You cannot dump refuse into waterways and drainage channels and then turn around to blame the minister when the rain comes and the water has nowhere to pass,” he said.

Agbese urged residents to stop using drainage channels and waterways as dumping grounds and to report blocked or encroached waterways to the relevant authorities.

He also called on the FCT Administration to sustain investment in drainage and flood-control infrastructure while strengthening enforcement against indiscriminate dumping and encroachment on waterways.

The lawmaker said residents should regard themselves as partners in the development of the capital rather than passive beneficiaries of government projects.

“Abuja belongs to all of us. We must work with the FCT Administration to protect the infrastructure being provided and keep our communities clean. Government has its responsibilities, but citizens also have theirs,” he said.

Agbese said constructive criticism should be accompanied by responsible citizenship, adding that the broader objective should be to build an FCT capable of coping with population growth, extreme weather and increasing human activity.

He said flooding and other urban challenges should not become occasions for political blame but opportunities for government and residents to work together on practical solutions.