The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to appoint at least six additional mandate secretaries for the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by the member representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, Joshua Obika.
President Bola Tinubu had, on September 5, 2023, appointed eight mandate secretaries for the FCTA, a move lauded by FCT indigenes and other Nigerians alike.
Justifying his call for more appointees, Obika argued that mandate secretaries are high-level administrative officials appointed by the FCTA to oversee specific areas of governance within the Federal Capital Territory, similar to ministers in the Federal Executive Council and commissioners in the State Executive Council.
According to him, Section 299 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, “provides that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, shall be treated as one of the states of the federation for participation in the nation’s economic, political, and social activities.”
He continued, “The House is aware that the President, through the Federal Capital Territory Minister, appoints mandate secretaries for the administration of the Federal Capital Territory. These appointments were made to reflect the geopolitical zones of the country only.
“We are also aware that the Federal Executive Council and the State Executive Council have state and local government representation, respectively, in their cabinets. It is therefore necessary for the Federal Capital Territory to be treated as if it were a state and to have Area Council Committee Representatives in the Federal Capital Territory.”
We are concerned that the current number of mandate secretaries may not be sufficient to meet the growing administrative tasks and governance needs of the rapidly expanding Federal Capital Territory population. Expanding the number of secretaries would also foster inclusivity for the people of the Federal Capital Territory.”
He further noted that, “Additional mandate secretaries will enhance good governance, service delivery, and adequate representation of the Federal Capital Territory’s people in policy coordination and implementation at the grassroots.”
In the plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House adopted the motion and urged the FCT Minister to appoint at least six additional mandate secretaries to enhance good governance and effective service delivery within the territory.
It also called on President Tinubu to appoint additional mandate secretaries from each of the Area Councils,” stressing that “the appointees must be residents with in-depth knowledge of the Area Council he or she represents to ensure adequate representation and effective administration of the Federal Capital Territory.
