Wike: Quest for Power Our Major Problem in Nigeria

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has ascribed the urge for power at the expense of ensuring strong institutions as one of the major challenges facing the country.

He made the assertion yesterday when the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) led by Korede Matilukoro, paid him a visit in acknowledgment of the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

He said it was for that reason that nobody talked about the welfare and the growth of others.

“The problem in this country is about us, me in power, not about the institution. If we allow this, my power will be reduced. 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,” Wike said.

He said from now till next week, he would implement the FCT Civil Service Act, which was passed in 2018 by the National Assembly and which President Bola Tinubu approved last week.

He said, “I am sure that all of you have lost hope. I told Mr. President, ‘you said, it is the Renewed Hope Agenda. These people have lost hope, renew their hope. 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. Let me tell you, from now till next week, I will implement it, because if I can grow in my career to this level, why should we be a hindrance to other people’s growth?” Wike said.

Wike added that the president should be commended for showing the capacity and political will by making a very difficult decision.

“So many people are only running away from doing the right thing, so many people will be angry but it doesn’t matter because the truth must be told, which is what we have been lacking in this country.

“Nobody wants to tell the truth. People are afraid of death even though they know they will die one day. So, do not be afraid, we are going to look at it sooner and I will tell Mr. President how happy you are.

“The president also believes in inclusivity and since FCT has been, women are not carried along. Therefore, you now have a Mandate Secretary that will take care of women which we may call Commissioner for Women Affairs, ”Wike said.