By Philip Yatai

The Etsu (chief) of Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, says the people of Kwali Area Council and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will reward President Bola Tinubu with massive votes in the 2027 general election.

Nizassan made the pledge while speaking on behalf of Kwali Council of Chiefs on Monday in Kwali, during the Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in the area.

The traditional ruler said the support was in appreciation of the administration’s notable achievements across the territory, particularly the Kwali Area Council.

According to him, the residents have benefited immensely from the Tinubu administration, particularly in infrastructure development and civil service reforms.

He highlighted other areas of impact to include the upgrading of traditional institutions and increased revenue allocations to the FCT Area Councils.

He pledged the total commitment of the area’s traditional rulers and their subjects to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He assured the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, and other dignitaries, that four graded chiefs, 15 district heads, and community representatives across Kwali had been fully mobilised.

He noted that the traditional institution and the communities were aligned to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the President’s 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, Kwali was able to deliver for Tinubu.

“Despite that, Tinubu gave us opportunities we never had. For 50 years, we were recognised as what the United Nations described as “non-existent people” because we live in a country where we do not have a stake.

“But Tinubu recognised the need for our inclusion and one of our own, was appointed to sit in the highest boardroom of this country as a member of his cabinet; it was the first of its kind,” he said.

The royal father commended Wike for championing the legal framework that established a full-fledged civil service structure in the FCT.

He stressed that the reform had opened up vast opportunities for indigenous people to attain top administrative positions in the territory.

“Today, we have a civil service with promising career opportunities—a civil service that allows our people to rise to the highest levels of the career structure. For this, we are grateful,” he stated.

The Etsu Kwali also praised the administration’s tax reforms, noting that they boosted the FCT’s monthly internally generated revenue from about N9 billion to over N40 billion.

He said the enhanced revenue translated into improved financial capacity for area councils to clear salary arrears, build roads and execute development projects.

On infrastructure, the traditional ruler listed key completed projects as crucial connections in the area council, adding that ongoing road projects would link all 10 political wards in Kwali Area Council to the central ward and the FCT main city upon completion.

“Within three years, the President has done what previous administrations could not achieve for us.”

The traditional ruler also revealed that Tinubu approved his royal appointment after years of delay, describing himself as “a direct beneficiary” of his administration’s inclusive governance.

He equally applauded Tinubu and Wike for upgrading traditional rulers, noting that his elevation to first-class status restored the dignity of traditional institutions in the territory.

According to him, the elevation enabled FCT traditional rulers to participate in national committees and contribute to discussions on national institutional frameworks.

He defended President Tinubu’s economic policies, describing them as courageous decisions necessary for long-term national recovery and growth.

Nizassan commended Tinubu and Wike for uniting traditional rulers and rural communities under a common platform to foster lasting peace and progress.

Responding, Wike commended the traditional ruler for acknowledging Tinubu administration’s impact in FCT in just three years.

He urged the traditional council and other stakeholders to mobilise for Tinubu’s victory, Sen. Philip Aduda FCT Senate seat and Mr Danladi Chiya for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

“Tinubu has done so much for FCT and its residents. It is time to pay him back with your support,” Wike said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab