FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has addressed the controversy surrounding the directive for permanent secretaries to bow before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike clarified that the gesture was a display of gratitude for the President’s support in their professional advancement, refuting claims of coercion. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the seventh FCT project.
Wike 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.”
Wike expressed surprise at the criticism, saying: “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 drive home his point, Wike called out the six area council chairmen, whom he described as change agents of the Renewed Hope Agenda, to also take a bow before the President.
He said: “These chairmen are the foot soldiers of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and they have done wonderfully well in their respective areas. I also asked them to take a bow to show appreciation for the President’s support.”
Wike’s clarification comes amid reports that some critics had labeled the gesture as degrading and humiliating for the permanent secretaries. However, Wike’s explanation highlights the gesture as a show of gratitude and appreciation for the President’s support in their careers.
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