Toba Owojaiye ReportingÂ
Civil servants at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have erupted in jubilation, expressing their profound gratitude to FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for his recent announcement regarding the immediate establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission. On Monday, October 16, 2023, FCT workers gathered in large numbers for a thank-you rally, overflowing with excitement and admiration for the Minister. They also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the implementation of the FCT Civil Service (Establishment) Act, which was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the former President in 2018.
The President of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), Comrade Korede Matilukoro, representing the FCTA and FCDA workers, conveyed their collective gratitude during the rally. He emphasized that this significant move by Barrister Wike had brought smiles to the faces of the FCTA workers. Comrade Matilukoro reminisced about the protracted struggle spanning over 20 years for the realization of the FCT Civil Service Commission. He emphasized that the impediments to career growth for FCTA workers were legal and administrative, not related to their competence.
“We just want the Hon. Minister to know that we are so excited, we are so happy and we are saying thank you to sir,” Matilukoro stated. He compared this development to the end of the slave trade, symbolizing an immense relief.
Comrade Matilukoro went further to applaud President Tinubu for swiftly addressing their concerns, saying, “Today, a new child is born. Today, Mr. President, our Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has done a beautiful thing. If he said he has a vision for Nigeria, if he says he knows what he wants to do, we believe him now because even without asking, within a twinkle of an eye, he is able to feel our pulse, he is able to deliver on it and put a smile on our faces; it’s a whole lot. That’s hope renewed, which was his campaign.”
The FCT Minister, Barrister Wike, emphasized that the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President for the FCT, assuring the workers that the hindrance to their career development has been removed with this development. He further revealed that the FCT Civil Service Commission’s operations will commence next week.
In addition to this momentous announcement, Barrister Wike touched upon the FCTA’s withdrawal from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). He explained that this change will enhance the Administration’s ability to utilize its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for development projects, drawing inspiration from his past experiences in Port Harcourt. He attributed these positive changes to President Tinubu’s capacity and political will to do the right thing, heralding a new era of optimism and progress for FCTA workers.
The report was signed by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister.