The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike is not happy with chairmen of the six Area Councils of the territory who have refused to settle the salaries of teachers and workers despite the fact that funds have been released to them, even for the payment of the new minimum wage.
According to him, the Area Council Chairmen had failed to pay the teachers despite releasing approved funds.
The Minister, who spoke to newsmen today, April 24, expressed dismay over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children.
He emphasized that primary schools fall under the purview of the Area Councils.
Wike asked the chairmen to report in his office immediately for a meeting to resolve the issue around the teachers’ strike that had lingered for months now.
The Minister however appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience while the issues are being resolved.
“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.
“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.”
The minister reviewed the updates on the key road projects that he had 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, and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.
He 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.”
On the costs of the projects, Wike said that the financial details would be provided during an account of stewardship.
