FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has sworn in one Mandate Secretary and three Permanent Secretaries for the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Performing the inauguration ceremony of the new appointees at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) conference hall on Thursday in Abuja, Wike affirmed that it was a promise made and kept; saying, “Today, promise made; promise fulfilled”.
The appointees are Abdullahi Ango who is to serve as Mandate Secretary for the newly created Youth Development Secretariat; and Gardiya Gamiya Bawa, who takes charge as Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat; while Okeke Joy Chinwe, Ajayi Rotimi Babatunde and Nathan Nancy Sabanti will fill in imminent vacancies expected due to retirement soon.
Wike explained that due consultation was made before the name of Ango was subsequently submitted to the President, who approved his appointment; assuring all stakeholders, including the six Area Councils were fully consulted before Ango’s appointment.
According to him, the appointments were made in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and determination of President Bola Tinubu to restore hope and succour to Nigerians.
His words: “We have always said that when Mr. President makes a promise he keeps to his word…that is why he has always said that we should be patient…that yes it may be difficult today but people are working hard, Mr. President is working very hard to make sure the hardship all of us are facing is a thing of the past”.
Addressing the Youth Development Mandate Secretary, he said: “Having appointed you as the Mandate Secretary for youths, it is not just for you to be happy, you must sit down and come out with a programme that will help the youths of Abuja”.
“That is key. You are a pioneer Mandate Secretary, you must use it to say when I was there as Mandate Secretary this was my progrmme for the interest of the youths”, Wike said.
He stressed that President Tinubu has done his part; tasking the appoinyees not to fail in carrying out theirs.
“Mr. President has fulfilled his part, it is for you to sit down and work with us and work with me, and say these are programmes we think that can make the youth to be entrepreneurial in nature; will help them to reduce the effects of hardship that we are facing,” the Minister added.
“If anything happens otherwise, you will be held responsible”, he warned.
On the part of the new Permanent Secretaries, Wike delved memory lane; recalling the journey to their present positions.
“I am sure today you are satisfied that you are almost at the highest level of your career; the only level you may now want to be is the Head of Civil Service,” Wike reiterated.
“But remember that before now you had no opportunity to be a Permanent Secretary, because it was never there before.
“That’s why you must always appreciate and thank Mr. President for bringing this hope, which so many people have fought against but Mr. President stood firm, because now is to give hope to the hopeless, now is to make sure that people are not stagnated in their career”, he emphasized.
Charging them on commitment and loyalty, the Minister said: “It is for you to be committed and loyal. If you know you have no capacity to work, it’s better you resign now because, at least, you will go with the emolument of a former Permanent Secretary.”
“Everybody must know that you must give account of every assignment given to you”, he concluded.
