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‘Operation Show Your Scorecard!’ — Wike Hits Back at Critics, Dares Opponents to Account for Their Record

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has thrown a direct challenge to opposition figures, declaring that no amount of “coalition politics” or propaganda can overshadow the visible results being delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in Abuja and beyond.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council on Friday, Wike said critics who are uncomfortable with the rapid transformation of the FCT should be brave enough to show Nigerians what they achieved when they held power.

“Mr. President, today is the 16th day you have devoted your time to personally participate in commissioning projects,” Wike said. “I never knew people were so pained that so many things are happening in the FCT until last night when I watched one of the presidential aspirants of the so-called coalition party — an industrialist — so pained that he’s angry the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker, the SGF are coming to commission projects. Yet they claim the people are angry!”

Turning to the cheering crowd, the Minister posed a pointed question: “Gwagwalada people, are you angry?” The resounding reply came back: “No!”

Wike mocked what he called “fake coalitions” designed only to distract Nigerians from genuine progress.

“I asked people and they said this coalition started 18 months ago. Mr. President has been in office for two years. So you started coalition when he was barely six months in office? When will you stop deceiving Nigerians?” he fired back.

He then took a swipe at former leaders, saying it was time for them to stop hiding behind empty talk and account for their time in office.

“Somebody came into office for just six months, you say Nigerians are angry. But you were Senate President for eight years, Speaker for four years, Minister of Transportation for eight years — yet you never made angry Nigerians happy! Now you want to come back to power? You won’t come back!”

Declaring this era “Operation Show Your Scorecard,” Wike said true leaders must show evidence of how they used their time in office to better the lives of the people.

“When you were Senate President, show your scorecard. How did you help the people of Benue State? Is it by flying a helicopter to Otukpo? We are here for 16 days showing our scorecard!” he said to loud applause.

Recalling his own political battles, Wike reminded the crowd of how he has consistently defeated so-called political heavyweights.

*“In 2015, I defeated a very powerful governor who wanted his boy to be governor. In 2019, a ‘super minister’ borrowing money everywhere and leaving us heavily indebted — I defeated him too. In 2023, they said they would support a man whose only business is jumping from party to party. Now, in 2025, they say there’s another coalition. Dem born you born coalition?!” he quipped, sending the crowd roaring with laughter.

Speaking on the significance of the Gwagwalada road, Wike said the project was not imposed from Abuja city centre but selected by the people themselves, which he described as true “community participation in governance.”

“One good thing about these rural projects is we never sat in the city to decide what to do. We came here and the people said, ‘This is what we want.’ That is how governance should work!” he said.

He also highlighted the FCT Administration’s commitment to promoting local capacity by awarding contracts to Nigerian companies.

“The Ushafa–War College Road in Bwari was done by local contractors. The bus terminals were done by local contractors. That is the policy of this administration: empower our own people!” he added.

In a final swipe at those calling for protests, Wike dared them to lead by example instead of encouraging unrest from the comfort of foreign cities.

“Some people say Nigerians should come out and revolt. The man saying it — I want you to lead it. Start it in Rivers State. Not that your children are in London while you send other people’s children to the streets. Bring your children, come back, and face us first!” he said.

He assured the Gwagwalada community that more people-oriented projects were coming, promising continued delivery in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Are you happy? Do you want more things? We will give you whatever you want,” Wike declared. “Mr. President, we are proud because you have changed the narrative. As for those who don’t want to be happy — may they remain unhappy forever. Me, I’m always happy!”

‘One of the Most Colourful Politicians’: Tinubu Hails Wike as Gwagwalada Road Opens

By
Toyin Adebayo
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, as “one of the most colourful politicians in the Nigerian political landscape,” applauding his fearless approach to leadership and the visible results his tenure is bringing to the nation’s capital.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council on Friday, President Tinubu praised Wike’s unique style and political audacity, which he said have helped fast-track real development in the FCT.

“The inimitable, the incredible, the superb Minister of the FCT. One of the most colourful politicians in the Nigerian political landscape. I mean, he dances very well and he threw some jibes at the opposition today,” Tinubu said through Shettima, drawing laughter and cheers from the large crowd that gathered to witness the ceremony.

Turning to the importance of the project, Tinubu noted that the newly completed road goes beyond mere infrastructure; it demonstrates his administration’s commitment to bridging the gap between the city centre and communities that have long been neglected.

“For too long, those who lived beyond the city centre have watched development happen from a distance. They have watched their dreams of inclusion delayed by excuses and their hopes defied by shifting priorities. But we are here to rewrite that history,” he declared.

He emphasised that the road, chosen by the people themselves, symbolises responsive governance that listens to citizens and delivers real impact.

“What brings us together on this historic day is more than a road. It is a reminder that no community under this administration is too far to be seen and no voice too faint to be heard. We are not just rehabilitating roads, we are rehabilitating trust,” Tinubu said.

He described the transformation taking place in the FCT as the product of deliberate reforms, stating, “By expanding the revenue base of the FCT, we are investing in roads, schools, hospitals and our people.”

President Tinubu called the new road a “corridor of dignity for market women, a path to safety for school children, and a road to prosperity for the hardworking traders.”

“This road will do more than ease the movement of people and goods. It will make this community safer. It will improve access to education and healthcare. It will unlock economic potential, especially for our rural dwellers,” he said.

He also praised Wike for proving that bold, sometimes disruptive leadership is vital to deliver meaningful change.

“I thank him for proving that disruption is not a threat to order but a requirement for progress. Honourable Minister, Mr. President is mightily proud of your accomplishments and, of course, your political sagacity and no-holds-barred attitude,” the Vice President said on Tinubu’s behalf.

President Tinubu also appreciated the traditional rulers in Gwagwalada for their support and patience, describing them as true partners in progress.

“This project is not just a symbol of government presence. It is your project. It belongs to the people of Gwagwalada,” he said.

He assured the people that the era of abandoned projects and failed promises was over.

“We are determined to ensure that development is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right enjoyed by all,” Tinubu said, before formally commissioning the road amid jubilation and cultural performances.

In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the road, like others delivered under the Renewed Hope Agenda, was not designed from behind closed doors but chosen through genuine community engagement.

“One good thing about these projects in our rural areas is that we never sat in the city to dictate what to do. We came here and the people told us, ‘This is what we want.’ That is what we call community participation in governance,” Wike said.

He noted that the administration is committed to empowering local contractors who deliver quality jobs that benefit communities.

“The Ushafa–War College Road in Bwari was done by local contractors. The bus terminals were done by local contractors. That is the policy direction of this government: to empower our own people,” Wike stated.

Also speaking at the event, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the road and other projects recently commissioned are clear evidence of President Tinubu’s vision for inclusive governance and tangible development.

“The commissioning of this road demonstrates our dedication to inclusive governance and infrastructure renewal in both urban and rural communities,” Mahmoud said.

She praised President Tinubu’s leadership for inspiring development that improves the lives of ordinary Nigerians across the FCT.

Greed and Power Hunger, Not Wike, Destroyed PDP — FCT Minister’s Aide Blasts Bolaji Abdullahi

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, accusing him and his allies of wrecking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) through “greed and desperation for power.”

Olayinka, in a statement on Friday, dismissed Abdullahi’s claim that Wike ruined the PDP, describing it as dishonest and hypocritical.

“People like Bolaji Abdullahi, driven by selfish ambition and political greed, are the reason the PDP lost its way not Wike,” Olayinka said.

He challenged Abdullahi to explain why he defected from the PDP back in 2014 long before Wike became Minister.

“Is it Wike who made him leave the PDP when he fell out with Senator Bukola Saraki the same man who lifted him from Special Assistant to a Minister? As Minister under President Jonathan, why did he abandon the PDP for the APC? Was it Wike who pushed him then too?”

Olayinka accused Abdullahi of conveniently ignoring his own record of “political waka-about” and Atiku Abubakar’s role in frustrating the PDP’s efforts to win Lagos State in 2003.

“He won’t say it, but everyone knows it was Atiku’s treachery that cost the PDP Lagos. Now they are pretending to be saviours of democracy,” he said.

Mocking Abdullahi’s electoral failures, Olayinka said, “Despite serving as Special Assistant, Commissioner, Minister, and even getting the PDP Senate ticket in 2023, he still lost to his APC rival. If your own people can’t trust you with a governorship ticket or Senate seat, then you are a political liability, plain and simple.”

He described the so-called opposition coalition as a gathering of “serial decampees and frustrated politicians” only seeking power for personal gain.

“How can they claim they want to save democracy when their frontmen include Atiku, whom Obasanjo called patently corrupt; El-Rufai, who bent the knee to pay terrorists; Rotimi Amaechi, under whom the Rivers judiciary was shut for over a year; and Dino Melaye, who couldn’t even vote for himself? Nigerians can see through the lies,” he stated.

Olayinka urged Abdullahi and his group to stop “deceiving Nigerians with rescue slogans” and admit their only mission is to grab power for themselves and their cronies.

“They are desperate and hungry for power but too bad for them, they won’t get it,” Olayinka concluded.

FCT Primary Teachers Set to End Strike After Wike’s Bold Intervention

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to suspend their three-month strike following a decisive intervention by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr. Chidi Amadi, in Abuja on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting involving the FCT Administration, area council chairmen, leaders of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and members of the National Assembly.

Amadi explained that the meeting, convened by Wike, was the latest in a series of efforts to resolve the prolonged industrial action that has kept thousands of pupils out of school since March.

He announced that the meeting reached a landmark decision to release the accrued 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the past six months to offset about 70 per cent of the outstanding minimum wage owed to primary school teachers.

“While this will not clear all arrears at once, it is a significant step towards permanently resolving the crisis and restoring learning across the FCT,” Amadi said.

To tackle the remaining issues, the Minister has directed the formation of a Special Committee made up of representatives from the NUT, FCTA, the area councils and NANS. The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks, detailing how the remaining concerns will be addressed once and for all.

Amadi further revealed that Wike has also pledged to personally intervene in settling other outstanding matters affecting local government workers to ensure that the area councils return to full operations without further disruptions.

Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi confirmed their backing for the resolution, noting that although forfeiting six months of IGR would be tough, it was necessary to secure the education of FCT children.

“We have all agreed to release the funds to settle this matter because we cannot continue to keep our children at home. The Minister has shown leadership, even though by law he cannot seize the councils’ IGR. But because of our collective resolve to end this crisis, we gave our consent,” Abdullahi said.

He appealed to the teachers to reciprocate the gesture and call off the strike without delay.

On his part, the National President of NANS, Olushola Oladoja, praised Wike’s intervention and described it as a courageous decision that put the interest of pupils first.

“The Minister took this step in good faith and the council chairmen supported him because they genuinely want schools reopened. It is our hope that the teachers will respond positively,” Oladoja said.

NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, acknowledged the resolutions but said the union’s State Executive Council would deliberate and announce a final decision soon.

Recalls that the teachers embarked on the indefinite strike in March over the non-implementation of the minimum wage, the 25 and 35 per cent salary increase, the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, the N35,000 wage award and other entitlements agreed upon since 2022.

With this breakthrough, there is renewed hope that classrooms across the FCT will soon reopen, bringing relief to thousands of pupils and parents eager to see an end to the long disruption.

My Children Won’t Get Special Abuja Land — Wike Vows to Crush Land Racketeering

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has vowed that neither his children nor any well-connected individual will receive special treatment in Abuja’s land allocation under his watch.

Wike, who spoke during a live media chat in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed what he called “malicious rumours” that his family is cornering land in the capital city, insisting that only due process will decide who gets land — not political influence or family ties.

“If my own children apply for land today, they will not get it just because they bear my name. They must follow due process like everyone else. Nobody is entitled to free land in Abuja because they know the Minister,” Wike declared.

He accused vested interests behind illegal land rackets of sponsoring false stories to distract him from cleaning up the FCT’s notorious land sector.

“People apply for land claiming they want to farm or build. Instead, they sit on it for years, speculating and selling it off at huge profits while Abuja’s development suffers. That era is over. Use the land for what it was given — or we’ll revoke it. It’s that simple,” he said.

The Minister revealed he has turned down several dubious land requests brought to his office by powerful figures.

“When you say no to them, they go around cooking stories, blackmailing you. But we won’t be distracted. We are here to sanitize Abuja’s land administration, no matter whose ox is gored,” he added.

Wike called on journalists and the public to reject conspiracy theories and support genuine reforms that will protect Abuja’s long-term growth.

“We have about 2,000 hectares of land to manage responsibly — not for people to grab, hoard, and resell while real investors and the people lose out,” he said.

He assured credible investors of a transparent process and warned that abandoned plots would no longer be tolerated.

“If you want land to build, farm, or invest, you’re welcome — but if you think you’ll use connections to take plots and do nothing with them, you’ll be disappointed,” Wike stated.

He urged the media to help hold the system to account and steer the national conversation towards meaningful issues.

“Abuja’s real needs are infrastructure, jobs, and security not cheap talk about land for my children. That will never happen. Let’s focus on what will move the capital forward,” Wike concluded.

Bring Fresh Faces, Not Spent Forces — Wike Dares Opposition as He Defends Emergency Economic Measures”

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has thrown a bold challenge at Nigeria’s opposition coalitions, daring them to present credible new leaders instead of recycling the same old politicians who, according to him, ran the country aground.

“If there are people who have not been in power in this country before, who are coming with fresh ideas, I can listen to them. But not people who sat at the head of affairs for years and left Nigeria in this crisis,” Wike declared during an interaction with journalists in Abuja.

The Minister, known for his blunt remarks, lashed out at opposition figures he described as “spent forces” who now exploit public frustrations for cheap political gain.

“They say Nigerians are angry. But when they were Senate President for eight years, Nigerians were happy? When they were Ministers borrowing Chinese loans left and right, Nigerians were happy? Now they’re out of power, suddenly they claim they want to ‘rescue’ Nigeria. Rescue it from what? The mess they left behind?” he asked pointedly.

Wike argued that without the tough economic decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of unsustainable subsidies, Nigeria would have collapsed into deeper fiscal crisis.

“Do you know, if not for the emergency measures we have today, you would have seen a situation where workers won’t be paid civil servants in states stranded because there is no money. That is the real crisis,” he said.

Addressing recent political wrangling and allegations that he used security agencies to disrupt opposition meetings, Wike dismissed the claims as baseless.

“I was formally written by the National Chairman and Secretary of my party to provide security for their legitimate caucus meeting. The governors were all there. Which faction did I stop? Which meeting did I disrupt?” he queried.

According to him, the real enemies of peace are those who benefit financially from stoking crises and spreading misinformation.

“There are people who make money abusing Wike on television. Now that money is drying up so they’re not happy. But the key players have accepted peace. The people who matter are united. So the noise-makers don’t count,” he said.

The Minister urged Nigerians to reject those he called “professional crisis merchants,” warning that they have nothing new to offer the country.

“These same people will attend each other’s weddings, fly in private jets, then come on TV to tell you ‘Nigerians are angry.’ They want to divide us again with North-South, religion and ethnicity, when what we need is truth and sacrifice,” he added.

Defending the Abuja administration’s infrastructure drive and Tinubu’s economic reforms, Wike maintained that history would judge those who only criticise but fail to build.

“Today, some say Nigerians are angry because we are delivering projects in Abuja. Should Abuja not have roads, hospitals, or schools? History will ask everyone: what did you contribute when you had power?” he said.

He urged the media and citizens to insist on accountability from every political actor, not just the current government.

“We must ask: when you had power, what did you do? It’s not enough to jump from one coalition to another because you want to grab power back. Bring fresh faces. Bring new ideas. Then we can talk,” Wike said.

“May the Politically Expired Remain Blind!” — Wike Fires Shots at Serial Defectors

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has thrown a stinging jab at serial political defectors and what he called “politically expired” career politicians who have hopped between parties since 1999 yet delivered nothing to the people they claim to serve.

Wike, who spoke on Wednesday while commissioning the newly completed 16.4-kilometre Bwari–Ushafa Road in Abuja, declared that such politicians have chosen not to see the real transformation happening under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — and should stay blind.

“Let those who have jumped from one party to another since 1999 but have no vision come here and see what true leadership looks like. And if they insist nothing is working, may they remain blind forever. God gave them eyes, but they refuse to see!” Wike thundered, to wild cheers from the crowd.

The FCT Minister said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has broken the jinx of neglect that left Abuja’s satellite towns underdeveloped for decades, exposing those whose politics, he said, begins and ends with empty campaign slogans.

“In just two weeks, Mr. President has been to Kwali, Bwari, Gwagwalada and more. This is not talk this is action. Today is the 15th day of commissioning real projects. By Friday, it will be the 16th day. Tell me, when has this ever happened in Nigeria’s history? This shows the love Mr. President has for the people in our satellite towns,” Wike said.

He revealed that the Bwari–Ushafa road project had once stalled under previous administrations but was revived and delivered through his personal oversight, strict insistence on quality, and support for local contractors.

“When they brought the contractor’s name Abdul Val I was skeptical. Road projects fail when incompetent people get them. I sent my team to confirm their equipment. I went myself, many times Sundays, nights to be sure they would deliver. Today, I am glad our people can now move freely on this road,” he said.

Wike singled out Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator of the FCT Satellite Towns Development Department, for special praise, joking that he pitied Zulkiflu’s wife because “he has not slept for months.”

“But this is leadership: sacrifice, commitment, and results. This young man has shown true capacity under pressure. We need more like him,” Wike added.

As residents cheered the new road once a dusty, bumpy nightmare the Minister fired a final warning at Abuja’s so-called “political jobbers” who, he said, “only resurface every election cycle.”

“Let them come and walk this road. Let them see that real politics is about delivering for the people not recycled promises and recycled parties,” Wike declared.

No Community Will Be Left Behind — Tinubu Vows

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

***Commissions Lifeline Road in Bwari

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent an unmistakable message to rural communities across the nation’s capital: their days of neglect are over.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday, the President declared that “no community will be left behind” under his Renewed Hope Agenda, as he commissioned the long-awaited dualized Ushafa–War College Army checkpoint road — a 16.4-kilometre lifeline that thousands in Bwari Area Council have waited decades to see.

“Today is not just about asphalt; it’s about trust. This road used to be a daily nightmare — a stretch of frustration for farmers, traders, students and health workers. That story ends today. We have turned this path of pain into a corridor of opportunity,” Tinubu said in a speech delivered by Shettima.

Beyond easing traffic gridlock, the upgraded route is expected to open new markets, boost emergency response, attract investment and inject fresh energy into local economies stretching far beyond Bwari.

But Tinubu’s message went deeper than roads and tar. He emphasized that the entire project was awarded to an indigenous contractor — a deliberate move to build local capacity and prove that Nigerian hands can deliver world-class infrastructure when empowered.

“We’re not just building roads — we’re building pride, we’re creating jobs, we’re proving that our own can deliver quality equal to anywhere in the world,” he said.

In a thinly veiled response to critics who claim Abuja’s suburbs have been left behind, Tinubu praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for taking development directly to the doorsteps of forgotten communities.

“Minister Wike’s bold, hands-on leadership ensures that development is not confined to the city centre alone. No ward, no street, no farm gate will be left in the shadows. Only then can we truly say Abuja works — and Nigeria works,” the President added.

Vice President Shettima told cheering Bwari residents that this commissioning was not mere symbolism but solid proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is about action, not empty promises.

“We are not here to cut ribbons for the cameras. We are here to show that promises made are promises kept,” he declared.

FCT Minister Wike used the moment to fire back at serial defectors and political critics who, he said, jump between parties “without vision or delivery.”

“Let those who claim nothing is working come and walk on this road. Let them see with their own eyes what real leadership does — it builds. It delivers,” Wike said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

He praised Tinubu for rewriting Abuja’s story by personally bringing projects to rural communities — something Wike described as unprecedented since Nigeria’s return to democracy.

“For the first time ever, a sitting President and Vice President have left the city centre to flag off and commission projects for our rural people. Mr. President, you promised to show love to our satellite towns — and today, you have delivered,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, echoed the same message, describing the road as living proof of Tinubu’s promise that no community will be sidelined on Nigeria’s road to progress.

“Mr. President’s vision keeps opening new corridors of growth and prosperity across the FCT. We remain committed to taking more dividends of democracy to every street, every village, every family,” Mahmoud said.

As the ribbon fell and the cheering rose, the people of Bwari and Ushafa finally saw their rugged stretch of broken promises transformed into a smooth gateway to growth and a powerful symbol that, under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope, no community will be left behind.

David Mark Dumps PDP, Joins Opposition Coalition to ‘Rescue Nigeria’

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deepening divisions and leadership crises that have, in his words, reduced the party to a “shadow of its former self.”

In a letter to his PDP Ward 1 Chairman in Otukpo, Benue State, Mark announced his immediate departure and confirmed he is joining the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement to help “rescue the nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy.”

Mark said despite his long-standing loyalty to the PDP — staying even when most stakeholders left after the 2015 loss — he could no longer ignore the unresolved crises that have, according to him, subjected the party to public ridicule.

“After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the coalition as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation,” Mark stated.

His defection adds momentum to the growing coalition of opposition forces seeking to challenge the current political establishment ahead of the next general elections.

Primary Schools Strike: Wike Secures Breakthrough Deal With NANS, NUT, Area Councils

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The prolonged strike that has crippled public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is now closer to resolution, as the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, sealed a fresh agreement with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Area Council Chairmen to clear the salary arrears and reopen schools without further delay.

In a statement jointly signed by NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, and National PRO, Comrade Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, on Wednesday, the students’ body confirmed it has suspended its planned mass protest following a series of intense engagements on Tuesday that unlocked a way forward.

According to the student leaders, the tripartite meetings began at the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters, continued with the Chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, and ended with direct commitments from Minister Wike.

“There’s no greater priority than getting our children back in the classroom,” the statement read. “After exhaustive discussions, we now have firm assurances that the salary backlog crisis that shut our schools will be resolved in days, not weeks.”

They explained that the FCT’s unique local government autonomy means the Area Councils alone bear responsibility for paying teachers’ salaries. However, in the spirit of finding solutions, Wike stepped in to approve a bailout covering 60% of the arrears while directing Area Councils to cover the remaining 40%.

“When that didn’t deliver as expected, the Minister withheld the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Area Councils for May and June, ensuring funds are available to offset what is owed,” the statement noted.

The students hailed the decisive intervention and praised Hon. Betara for brokering the talks that ended the stalemate.

“With this breakthrough, we have suspended our planned protest at the FCTA Secretariat but we will not hesitate to mobilize again if this commitment is breached,” Oladoja warned. “No child should be denied education because of unresolved salaries. We expect concrete disbursement before the end of this week.”

A final stakeholders’ meeting involving NUT FCT, the FCT Minister, Area Council Chairmen, and NANS leadership has been scheduled for Thursday, July 4, to conclude arrangements for reopening all affected schools.

“We stand ready to defend the rights of Nigerian students anywhere, anytime. Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!” the statement concluded.

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