. As he begs for time to resolve issues
FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the failure of Area Council Chairmen to pay primary school teachers’ salaries despite the release of funds.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects on Thursday, Wike announced that he would summon the chairmen to explain why the teachers had not been paid.
However, Wike expressed strong dissatisfaction over the unpaid teacher salaries, stating that it is unacceptable for the Area Council Chairmen to fail to pay the teachers despite the release of funds. “It’s unfortunate, but we have to tell ourselves the simple truth.
“The Area Council Chairmen, after I have approved money to be sent to them for them to be able to pay the teachers, they were unable to do that.” Wike vowed to apply the “big stick” to those responsible for the non-payment of salaries”.
The Minister appealed to the NUT to allow a little more time for the FCTA to intervene decisively in resolving the crisis.
“I also continue to appeal to the NUT to give them some time,” he pleaded.
The teachers’ strike, which has triggered protests across parts of the FCT, has disrupted learning in several primary schools and drawn concern from parents and civil society groups. The NUT had earlier warned that failure to pay arrears would lead to a prolonged industrial action.
The minister inspected three locations, including the Wassa Junction, Northern Parkway, and N5 road projects.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being carried out by contractors and noted that the projects are expected to be completed soon.
Wike mentioned that the N5 road project is segmented into two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed soon.
“We were at the Wassa Junction, that’s from Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) leading to Wassa Junction. It’s one of the roads we believe, by the grace of God, will be inaugurated in Mr. President’s second year anniversary.
“We also went to the Northern Parkway, where Gilmore is working, and they reassured us that by the grace of God, that interchange will also be inaugurated during the second year of Mr. President”, the Minister said.
Wike emphasized that the projects are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and are aimed at improving the lives of FCT residents. He expressed hope that the projects will be completed in time for President Bola Tinubu’s second-year anniversary celebration.
“The first phase will be completed, as Julius Berger has promised, which means we will pray to God that we will have to utilize it.
“Generally, we are happy with the quality of work that has been carried out by all the contractors. We, on our part, will do everything possible to keep to our own obligations, so that they will not find excuses why they were unable to fulfill their own obligations”.
“I think we are happy that it will be a packed anniversary for Mr. President. Indeed, we really hope the Renewed Hope Agenda is working, and people are happy with what we are seeing.
The development underscores Wike’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of FCT projects and funds.
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