Alexis Uchendu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is under growing pressure from both the Auditor-General’s Office Union and a legal luminary, Jacob Udobang, over the appointment of Mr. Abdullahi Ibn Salihu as Director of Accounts and Acting Head of the Office of the Auditor-General for FCT Area Councils.

In a strongly worded petition, the Union described the appointment as a violation of constitutional provisions, arguing that assigning an auditee to oversee audit operations compromises the Office’s independence and integrity.

They further decried the exclusion of competent internal staff from promotion, calling for a reversal of the appointment.

Backing the Union’s stance, the legal practitioner, Udobang, in a letter to Wike, warned that the failure to appoint a substantive Auditor-General for the FCT, breaches civil service laws and weakens financial accountability.

He urged the Wike to restore due process and ensure fair promotions within the Office.

Amid rising concerns, stakeholders are also calling for the reintroduction of the Audit Bill, which was passed by the 9th Assembly but not assented to, as a means to secure the autonomy of the Auditor-General’s Office.

The controversy continues to build as expectations mount on Wike to act swiftly in addressing the concerns and safeguarding the Office’s credibility.

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Teachers and local government workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have resumed their strike over the non-payment of the N70,000 minimum wage by the six area council chairmen.

The strike, which began on February 13, affects primary school teachers and council workers across the FCT.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), accused the chairmen of reneging on a December 2024 agreement to implement the wage increase by January 2025.

Union leaders also condemned the failure to pay other entitlements, including a 40% peculiar allowance and salary increments.

They have vowed to continue the strike indefinitely until their demands are met.

By Alexis Uchendu

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering key infrastructure projects on schedule, ensuring fair compensation for affected residents, and improving waste management services across the Federal Capital Territory.

During an inspection of ongoing road and housing projects on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Wike expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work, particularly at the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe.

He credited the progress to efficient fund management and assured that all projects would be completed by May 2025 as promised by contractors.

Addressing concerns over property demolitions, the Minister confirmed that compensation payments have been made for affected structures in Wasa, Life Camp, and Dei-Dei, while payments for Gishiri Village would be finalized before the end of the week.

On waste management, Wike revealed that the FCTA is in the final phase of selecting contractors to enhance sanitation services, especially in satellite towns.

He assured residents that only competent firms would be engaged to maintain a cleaner and healthier city.