The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to withhold 10% of allocations to FCT Area Councils due to their failure to pay the new minimum wage to primary school teachers, which has led to an ongoing strike.
Wike expressed disappointment over the situation, describing it as an embarrassment that teachers were forced to strike for their rightful entitlements. He stated that while he could not directly intervene in the affairs of elected Area Council Chairmen, he had taken the step to withhold the allocation to ensure compliance with wage payments.
“I have limits; I cannot sack them because they are elected. Therefore, I have taken the step to withhold 10% of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” Wike explained. He further emphasized that a committee would be set up to ensure that teachers are paid directly as funds are released.
Addressing concerns over local government autonomy, Wike firmly stated, “Do you want me to fold my arms and allow our children to be at home because you want LGA autonomy?” He stressed that withholding allocations was necessary to ensure proper governance and protect the welfare of FCT residents, particularly the education of children.
In addition to addressing the teachers’ strike, Wike outlined plans to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary by unveiling several completed infrastructure projects, including roads in various FCT areas and the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC). He also highlighted plans to improve water supply to satellite towns and enhance streetlight security.
On FCT workers’ welfare, Wike assured that employees were being paid promptly and motivated, while also criticizing unnecessary overseas training expenses. He also discussed his administration’s commitment to transparency, anti-corruption measures, and addressing issues of land administration and open grazing.
Wike also commented on recent defections from the PDP to the ruling party, attributing them to internal party issues. He praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her humility and dedication to national development, further reinforcing her role in supporting the President’s administration.
