Why I asked FCT Perm Secs to publicly bow before Tinubu — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has defended his directives asking the Permanent Secretaries of the FCT administration to publicly bow before President Bola Tinubu.

Wike had during the commissioning of the Aerial Road N20 Expressway called out the perm secs and asked them to bow for the president.

The action generated widespread condemnation from many Nigerians who described the minister’s action as “sycophancy taken too far”.

But reacting to criticisms, Mr Wike said the action was to show appreciation to the president, who granted approval for the appointment of the permanent secretaries.

He said the perm secs had earlier lost hope in their career progression.

He 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 Renewed Hope, he said they must get to the peak of their careers 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.”

He condemned those criticising him, saying they lacked anything good to say.

“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?

“In my place, when someone does not have anything good to say about you, they will say, ‘look at him’.

“Instead of you to commend Mr. President for doing well, for giving hope to those that didn’t have hope before.”