Nigeria’s Problem, Those in Power, Not Institutions -Wike
…FCTA Staff Jubilate Over Civil Service Com, Others
By: Wisdom Acka
“The problem in this country is about us, we 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.”
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, made this declaration while addressing thousands of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) staff, who besieged his office to express delight and appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Wike over the implementation of FCT Civil Service Commission Act and other reforms.
His words: “Who will be happy in life if he cannot attain the highest peak of his or her career? If I am a judge, I want to reach the Supreme Court. If I am a civil servant, I 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. This people (FCTA) have lost hope, renew their hope,” he revealed.
“Tell them that everything is not lost and 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,” Wike reiterated.
“He immediately approved that we should implement the 2018 law as passed by the National Assembly,” the Minister stressed.
“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?” he explained.
Promising the staff he would convey their appreciation to the President for what he did for them and the society, Wike revealed that the President also berated littering of uncompleted projects across the Territory.
He pointed out that the Administration had to exit the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to be able to use it IGR and fund these projects and initiate new ones.
Wike argued that the FCTA did not have to participate in the TSA policy in the first place because
you say you want to block “We are not revenue collecting agent for Federal government, so what are we blocking?”
The Minister also disclosed that President Tinubu permitted the Administration to source funds from commercial banks; adding that with the TSA exit, it could approach banks with a monthly repayment plan deducted from it Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He, therefore, called on the staff 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. Because I cannot smile every day and your faces are not looking good. That is not the best”, he said.
Speaking earlier, Chairman, Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), Comrade Korede Matilukuro stated that the entire staff was out 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.
Korede revealed that its announcement by the FCT Minister last Friday “sent FCT Civil Servants into wild jubilation”, making them celebrate their weekend with happiness, becuase the development “has brought hope and boost the morale of the FCT civil workforce”.
He further stated: “We welcome the establishment of the FCT Civil 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.”
He concluded: “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.”
