FCT Minister Defends Directive for Permanent Secretaries to Bow Before President Tinubu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his directive for permanent secretaries to bow before President Bola Tinubu, explaining it as an act of appreciation for the President's support in their career progression.
On Tuesday, during the commissioning of the Aerial Road N20 Expressway in Abuja, Wike directed the permanent secretaries to bow before Tinubu. The move drew criticism, prompting Wike to clarify the reasoning behind it.
Wike stated that the gesture was meant to thank President Tinubu for his approval of the appointments of the permanent secretaries, who had previously lost hope in advancing their careers.
"Two days ago, when the President came, we tried to thank him for what he did in making sure that those who had already lost hope in their career progression got to the peak of their career," Wike said. "Before now, the FCTA did not have permanent secretaries. But with Mr. President’s renewed hope initiative, he ensured they reached the pinnacle of their careers."
Wike elaborated that the President's intervention allowed FCTA officials to achieve the position of permanent secretary and potentially head the civil service. "Mr. President granted that, and then I called out the permanent secretaries who are the beneficiaries to come out and take a bow and thank Mr. President," he added.
Addressing his critics, Wike condemned the negative reactions, asserting that the gesture was a mark of respect and gratitude. "It is an honor to be called out to take a bow, but some people can never see anything good. Instead, they are criticizing, saying, 'How will you call people who are permanent secretaries and ask them to take a bow?'"
Wike concluded by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating the President's efforts in restoring hope to the careers of the permanent secretaries. "Instead of commending Mr. President for doing well and giving hope to those who didn’t have hope before, some people choose to criticize," he said.
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