Wike bans congratulatory messages on ministerial appointment

.FCT youths tell minister to prioritise education, security

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has placed a ban on congratulatory messages from friends and well-wishers over his ministerial appointment.

He said such messages in lamp post billboards, full scale billboards and other such adverts congratulating him on his appointment as minister constitute serious distractions capable of making him lose focus on his main assignment in the FCT.

A statement tagged ‘Request to members of the public to refrain from placing congratulatory billboards in honour of the FCT Minister’, signed by his Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, noted: “While the minister deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but strongly, requests that such billboards and advertisements be discontinued forthwith. The minister acknowledges the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill from FCT residents and beyond, understands the sentiment behind the congratulatory displays and is genuinely touched by the show of support.

“However, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the minister wishes to focus fully on assisting President Bola Tinubu, in realising his Renewed Hope agenda for Nigeria.”

Wike said he holds, in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of FCT residents, adding that he remains dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Meanwhile, the FCT Youth Stakeholders Forum has urged the minister to take education and security in the country’s capital seriously.

They also appealed to the former Rivers State governor to ensure that youths participate in policy conception and implementation.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, at the weekend, the forum through its co-convener, Abdullahi Ango, said it had identified certain key areas the new administration needs to focus on to achieve quick wins for itself and the people of Abuja.

Noting that FCT is in urgent need of urban renewal to bring it back to a position of pride in Nigeria and Africa, Ango said the nation’s capital is in need of good hands to steer its affairs.