KUNLE OLUTAYO
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, has warned staff of the administration, especially the directors, to seek redeployment from their current position, if they lack the capacity to deliver expected results.
Wike gave the warning yesterday during the official handing over ceremony in Abuja.
The Minister, however, assured the staff that the administration under his watch will ensure appropriate funding for the Secretariats, Departments and Agencies of the administration to execute projects.
Meanwhile, he warned that incompetence and indolence would not be tolerated under his watch.
He lamented that darkness has taken over many streets of the nation’s capital, saying it is a sign of inactivity and mismanagement by those in various positions.
“Everyone who has responsibilities must show commitment in doing the right things. The important things we must do is to ensure that Abuja is back to what it ought to be. I moved around Abuja and found out there are total darkness in most of the places. What we need to do is to ensure light come back as soon as possible.
“Our environment must be kept clean, you must be on your toes. If you do not have the capacity, please leave. It is a privilege for us to be serving in this capacity and I will not allow anyone to drag me back. If you are in charge of sanitation. I will call you at anytime of the day.
“We shouldn’t allow motor parks all over the places, something must be done, as soon as possible. If you cannot meet up my standard say it now so that we can change you. Yes, I have a soft spot for women, you have to take a decision, we must be firm, things must work.
“Things are tough, I agree, but that does not make us to be lawless. Street trading is prohibited, people selling corn, will drop their waste indiscriminately and these are the things that causes insecurity, criminals come to buy and use the opportunity to spy and give informations to criminals. It is imperative we clear street hawkers.
“Development Control is a serious crisis area, we have to stop, why are there illegal structures and shanties everywhere. We will demolish any illegal structures, no matter how highly placed, the structure will come down”, he explained.
Also, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that with the support of the workers, what Wike has done in Rivers would be replicated in the FCT.
“I am of the firm belief that, together, and with your support, we will replicate what the Minister (Wike) has done in Rivers in the nation’s capital, especially at the Area Councils and Satellite Towns.
“This is so that the lives of our people in the rural areas will be positively touched.
“It is also instructive to state that maximum commitment, cooperation, and loyalty is expected from all staff, because it will not be business as usual.
“We will run with the vision of President Tinubu, which we will be unveiling as we hit the ground running,” she said.
Earlier, the permanent secretary assured the ministers of the unalloyed support of the entire staff of the FCT Administration in ensuring the actualisation of the mandate of the President Tinubu.
“I am particularly impressed that all stakeholders in FCT, including the indigenous people of Abuja, have demonstrated their commitment to work with you all.
“The warm welcome extended to you yesterday clearly shows the eagerness of the residents of FCT to see you replicate the Port Harcourt experience in the FCT,” he said.
Mr Shehu Hadi, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, thanked Wike and Mahmoud for accepting to serve and reposition the FCT.
Hadi assured the ministers of the workers’ support and cooperation needed to reposition the FCT as one of the best in the world.
“We look forward to a harmonious relationship for the good of all in the FCT,” he said.
