By Becky Momodu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the newly elected chairmen of the six Area Councils, charging them to prioritize service delivery, accountability and grassroots development.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja on Monday, Wike declared that it would no longer be “business as usual” in the administration of the Area Councils, warning against financial recklessness and poor governance.
The Minister reminded the chairmen that their election came with a responsibility to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people who entrusted them with leadership.
“You have a covenant with the people. They voted for you and now expect to feel the impact of governance. The time for celebration is over; it is time to work,” he said.
Wike assured the council leaders that the FCT Administration would not interfere with their statutory allocations but stressed that expenditures would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and accountability.
He also warned the chairmen against violating financial regulations, emphasizing that elected council chairmen are not authorized to sign council cheques.
The Minister further expressed concern over recurring strikes by local government workers and primary school teachers, urging the new council leaders to find lasting solutions to labour-related challenges.
On security, Wike directed the chairmen to reside within their respective councils and remain accessible to their constituents, noting that their presence would enhance intelligence gathering and improve responses to security threats.
To encourage healthy competition among the councils, the Minister announced plans to reward Area Councils that distinguish themselves in promoting peace and delivering critical infrastructure.
He urged the chairmen to set clear development targets for their first 100 days and one year in office, while also prioritizing youth and women empowerment programmes.
Earlier, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the inauguration as a renewed commitment to accountable and people-oriented governance. She urged the new leaders to justify the confidence reposed in them through transparency, innovation and inclusive development.
The oath of office was administered by Justice Belgore of the FCT High Court.
The inauguration formally marked the commencement of a new administration across the FCT’s six Area Councils following their victory in the February council elections.