Why I ordered FCTA Permanent Secretaries to bow before Tinubu during project commissioning – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has cleared the air concerning a viral video where he was seen ordering some permanent secretaries to bow before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The video had sparked uproar on social media with many accusing the minister of not treating the permanent secretaries with respect and dignity.

However, in a swift reaction, Wike, however, said his action was spurred by the need to appreciate the president for what he has done for the permanent secretaries.

He made the clarification on Thursday, during the commissioning of the seventh FCT project as part of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said: “Two days ago, when the President came, we tried to thank him for what he did in making sure that those who had already lost hope in their career progression got to the peak of their career.

“Before now, FCTA did not have permanent secretaries. But with Mr. President’s way of Renewed Hope, he said they must get to the peak of their career by getting to the position of permanent secretary and Head of the Civil Service, if possible. Mr President granted that and then I called out the permanent secretaries who are the beneficiaries to come out and take a bow and thank Mr President.

“It is an honour to be called out to take a bow but some human beings can never see anything good. Instead, they are criticising, saying, ‘How will you call people who are Permanent Secretaries and ask them to take a bow?’”

To press home his point, the minister, thereafter, called out the six area council chairmen, whom he described as change agents of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, to also take a bow before the President.