Why I Withheld 10% IGR Allocation To FCT Council Chairmen — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that he withheld 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) allocation normally disbursed to area councils due to their failure to meet the demands of striking primary school teachers in the FCT.

Wike made this known during a media chat with journalists on Monday at his residence in Abuja, during which he addressed issues ranging from education and infrastructure to urban security and open grazing.

THE WHISTLER reports that FCT primary school teachers have been on strike for several months over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, improved welfare, and outstanding salary arrears.

Despite repeated protests by the teachers, the councils have not addressed their demands, leading to disruption in public education across the capital territory.

“It is very unfortunate. That’s why I say, sometimes when people argue, I tell them that local government area chairmen are elected. it becomes difficult for you to wield the stick because they are elected by the people,” Wike said.

According to the Minister, when the matter was brought to his attention, he took steps to mediate and resolve the crisis.

“I sat them (LG Chairmen) down. I said why have you not been able to pay? We give you 10% of our IGR every month. So I directed them, directed the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury, and I said release the funds. Yes, it is not easy to offset all, but let it be that you have started,” he said.

Wike further stated that he engaged the teachers’ union and received assurances that the strike would be called off, only to learn later that the councils failed to follow through.

“It was shocking to me when I got the information that the teachers had gone back on strike because they were unable to pay them. I felt so embarrassed,” he said.

He said he was faced with this defiance and had no choice but to withhold the statutory 10% IGR allocation to the area councils.

“I can’t sack them because they are not appointed by me, they are elected. So I said, look, what I should do is to make sure that I withhold the 10% allocation of our IGR. And then set up a committee to make sure that if these funds are released, the money is being paid to the teachers. It is very embarrassing, very unfortunate,” he stated.

He noted that critics must have argued that his action infringes on the autonomy of local governments, although its a position he flatly rejected.

“You see now? You see the problem we are having? You are talking about autonomy now. Autonomy? The money has been released to you, as allowed. Yet, you are depriving people of their wages. And then you want me to fold my hands and allow our children to be at home because you want to have local government autonomy? It is not the same thing,” Wike said.

The Minister clarified that the funds were not being permanently withheld, but that the FCT Administration would ensure direct payment to teachers to avoid further disruptions in the education sector.

“We are not withholding. We are going to pay this money, but we won’t allow you. Because of the conduct you have exhibited, we will make sure that this money is paid directly. You must balance some things. If not, the crisis it will cause will be too damaging,” he added.

Wike said the FCT administration was setting up a monitoring committee, comprising representatives from all area councils, to supervise the disbursement of funds directly to the affected teachers.

He assured that resolution was underway and the crisis would be addressed in the coming days.

On efforts to curb open grazing in Abuja, Wike admitted the challenge and noted that it is complicated.

He said, “Nobody, no rational person, will be happy seeing cows walking across the streets before you can pass. But you have to be very cautious. Take, for example, before I came, there was a place where land was allocated for grazing—about 1,000 hectares. If I tell you the fact, we are fighting. So many people have encroached. Land grabbers left, right, and centre.”

Asked if he was engaging with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Wike simply replied, “Tread cautiously. It’s a simple English language.”

Water, Power Projects in Satellite Towns:

While speaking on infrastructure, Wike revealed that the FCT has signed contracts with Chinese firms such as CGC and CCCGC for the provision of water and power in satellite towns. The target areas for water supply, he said, are Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa.

“We signed CGC for the provision of water for satellite towns. We also signed with CCCGC and CGC to light up Abuja, knowing fully well that Abuja will be 50 years old next year,” Wike said.

He added that the installation of new streetlights will come with embedded security features to curb persistent vandalism.

“If we are providing security features in our streetlights, what it means is not only to prevent you, but also to make sure if it is done, we will arrest you. We will know who did it,” he said, while referencing a central situation room being set up to monitor such activities.

Project Commissioning Ahead of May 29 Anniversary:

Wike also spoke on the plans to commission multiple infrastructure projects in both the city and satellite towns in celebration of the second-year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“In Kwali, we are going to commission A2 to Pi. In Gwagwalada, we will commission Palace Road. In Bwari, the Ushafa Road and War College Road. In the city, we will give you back the International Conference Centre,” he said.

Wike recounted how the poor state of the International Conference Centre shocked the President last year during a visit for the ECOWAS Parliament.

“Mr. President couldn’t believe it… He said, ‘This is unacceptable, Mr. Minister, I don’t want to see this again.’ That is leadership.

“You know, I have always said that our problem is leadership. When you have the right leadership, everything works out well.

“Remember, this International Conference Centre was built in 1991 by the IBB administration. Since that 1991, nobody has touched that thing. Now, when Mr. President came to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament sometime last year, you see, in July or August, it was an eyesore.

“Today, by the grace of God, we have achieved it. If you take a ride and go to that place, you yourself will feel happy.

“This is what you are supposed to be. You see, Mr. President has provided a lot of leadership, and you have no choice but to follow,” he added

He noted that while May 29 would kickstart the anniversary events, project inaugurations would span into early June, depending on the President’s schedule.

Why I Withheld 10% IGR Allocation To FCT Council Chairmen — Wike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper