I Owe No Apologies For Working Against PDP In 2023 Presidential Election – Wike
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said Nigeria’s major problem is the attitude of those in positions of power and not the institutions.
The minister said this while addressing thousands of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers who besieged his office to express delight and appreciation to him and President Bola Tinubu on the creation of FCT Civil Service Commission and other reforms.
Wike said: “The problem in this country is about us, those of us in power, not about institutions. If we allow this, my power will be reduced, and that is what you have seen all this while. Nobody talks about the welfare of others, the growth of others.
“Who will be happy in life if he cannot attain the highest peak of his or her career? If I was a judge, I would want to reach the Supreme Court. If I was a civil servant, I would want to reach the Permanent Secretary level.
“I’m sure that all of you have lost hope. I told Mr. President: you said it is the Renewed Hope Agenda. These people (FCTA workers) have lost hope; renewed their hope. Tell them that everything’s not lost. The only way you can assure them is by making them grow to the apex of their career.
“And Mr. President said: ‘I’m not aware of this. Now that I am aware, I will bring back the hope of the civil servants of the FCT. He imediately approved that we should implement the 2018 law, as passed by the National Assembly.
“Let me tell you: from now till next week, I will implement it, because if I can grow in my career to this level…
“He assured and wondered: ‘Why should we be a hindrance to other people’s growth?’”
The minister said he would convey the workers’ appreciation to the President.
He said the President frowned at seeing uncompleted projects across the territory.
Wike explained that the FCT Administration had to exit the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to be able to use Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and fund uncompleted projects and initiate new ones.
The minister argued that the FCTA did not have to participate in the TSA policy in the first place, adding: “You say you want to block. We are not revenue collecting agents for the Federal Government. So, what are we blocking?”
He urged the workers to continue praying for the President as they rededicate themselves to duty in the development of the FCT.
“Continue to pray for Mr. President. More things will come for FCT and we will make all of you happy. If you are happy, we will be happy. This is because I cannot smile every day and your faces are not looking good. That is not the best,” Wike said.
The Chairman of Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), Korede Matilukuro, stated that all the FCTA workers were happy to thank the President for approving full implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which had been passed into law by the National Assembly since 2018.
“We welcome the establishment of the FCT Service Commission as a positive step towards enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the civil service in the FCT.
“This move signifies a commitment to good governance, accountability, and the welfare of civil servants.
“We gather here to show our appreciation to you for an uncommon approach to governance, particularly in the FCT. Thank you so far for all the wins for FCT and the bold steps you are taking at repositioning FCT.”
[Nation]
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