By: Tersoo
In a bid to resolve the ongoing strike action by primary school teachers in the FCT over the non-payment of their entitlements and the new minimum wage, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has summoned the Six Area Council Chairmen to an urgent meeting.
The Minister gave this indication while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday during a routine inspection of key road infrastructure projects slated for inauguration next month as part of President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
Wike described the industrial action by the teachers and council workers as unfortunate, stating that the Area Council Chairmen had failed to pay the teachers despite releasing approved funds.
The Minister further expressed dismay over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children, emphasizing that primary schools fall under the purview of the Area Councils.
He however appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience while the issues were being resolved.
According to him, “It’s unfortunate and 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. In fact, I got the report yesterday and I have been able to summon all of them.”
Continuing, the Minister said, “I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries. This is primary school teachers, not secondary school teachers. It’s the responsibility of the councils; they are in charge of the primary schools. So, I have summoned them to a meeting and also continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time that these things will be sorted out”.
Providing updates on several key road projects inspected, including the OSEX left-hand service carriageway, the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) interchange and the full scope development of the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to meet its obligations to ensure timely completion.
“Generally, we are happy with the quality of work that is being carried out by all the contractors. We on our part will do everything possible to keep to our own obligation so that they will not find excuses why they were unable to fulfil their own obligation,” the Minister stated.
Responding to a question on the costs of the project, Wike stated that the financial details would be provided during an account of stewardship.
He however said the virement of approximately N10 billion by the National Assembly for the N5 road project, expressing confidence that the funds will be utilized effectively before the expiration of the 2024 budget.
The Minister also affirmed that the projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and are beneficial to residents. He said: “I think we are happy that it will be part of the anniversary for Mr. President. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working and people are happy with what they are seeing”.
