Wike inaugurates FCT area council chairmen, warns against financial misconduct

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has inaugurated the newly elected chairmen of the six Area Councils, warning that his administration would no longer tolerate financial recklessness, persistent labour disputes and poor governance at the grassroots.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja, Wike said the new council leaders must fulfil the promises made to voters and ensure that residents feel the impact of governance.

“It will no longer be business as usual. The people have performed their civic obligation by voting for you. You owe them a duty to make them feel the impact of governance,” he said.

The minister announced stricter monitoring of Area Council finances, stressing that while the FCT Administration would not interfere with statutory allocations, it would closely scrutinise how public funds are spent.

He reminded the chairmen that they are not authorised signatories to council accounts and warned against any attempt to withdraw funds illegally.

“No executive chairman is allowed to sign cheque books. Your role is to approve expenditures. Any chairman found violating financial regulations will face investigation by anti-corruption agencies,” he said.

Wike also expressed concern over recurring strikes by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and primary school teachers, which he said had disrupted governance and education in the councils.

He urged the chairmen to find lasting solutions to the labour disputes, noting that the FCTA had repeatedly intervened to pay teachers’ salaries and rehabilitate schools.

The minister further directed the council chairmen to reside and work within their respective councils rather than operating from Abuja city, saying their presence would improve service delivery and strengthen local security intelligence.

“Stay where you were elected and perform your work. If you are not at home, you won’t know where the problems are coming from,” he said.

To encourage performance, Wike announced that councils that excel in peacebuilding and provision of infrastructure would receive special rewards from the FCTA.

He also urged the chairmen to set measurable targets for their first 100 days and one year in office, while prioritising youth and women empowerment and maintaining regular engagement with residents.

Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, urged the newly inaugurated chairmen and their deputies to justify the confidence reposed in them through transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership.

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