FCT Joint Unions Action Committee Elects New Leaders

By: Prudence Okonna

Workers in FCT Administration and Federal Capital Development Authority, under the umbrella of Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), have elected new leaders for a term of three years.

The immediate past Vice President, Rifkatu Iortyer, of the Union emerged the new President, unopposed after the about four hour election, Tuesday, in Abuja.

Other elected officials are Musa Istifanus as Vice President, Umar Abdullahi, Secretary and Eric Esemekhai as Treasurer.

Speaking after her emergence, the President said that she would prioritise the welfare of workers in the next three years through constructive engagement of management of the FCTA.

Iortyer said that she would pool the knowledge and experience of workers in the push for an improved welfare package.

Her words: “Together, we will put our heads together through teamwork, to improve on where our predecessors stopped”.

“My priority is the welfare of workers. This is because, if you are a leader, it is the welfare of members that is paramount and what should be on your mind,” she said.

The new President expressed optimism of a cordial working relationship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has demonstrated high regards for workers and their welfare.

She, particularly said that the FCT Minister had already secured President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act, 2018; adding that Wike was on the verge of appointing nine Permanent Secretaries for the nine Secretariats of the FCT Administration.

“So far, he is in the right direction because the Civil Service Commission had been our fight for a very long time.

“The Union has not met with the Minister, but we have put one or two requests, and he has answered us even without interfacing with us”, the President reiterated.

She explained that the Minister’s response to JUACs requests indicates his desire and willingness to work with the team.

The outgoing President, Mr. Korede Matilukoro, who served for two terms of three years each, said that the journey had not been easy.

Matilukoro described the implementation of the FCT CSC law, promotion of directors from between 10 and 15, to over 146 and the promotion confirmation, advancement, and conversation as some of key achievements.

He also said that under his leadership, the Union has secured land allocation for about 200 members for the development of FCT/FCDA Staff Housing Estate.

Matilukoro said that so far compensations have been paid, building plan approval secured, including survey and other requirements.

He said that the new leadership would deliver the allocation for the benefiting staff.

Matilukoro said that the welfare of workers had significantly improved under his leadership among other successes and urged the new leadership to build on what has been achieved so far.