By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to ask Permanent Secretaries of the FCT administration to publicly bow before President Bola Tinubu.
Wike had come under criticism for his action, which many Nigerians described as “sycophancy taken too far”.
However, the minister explained that the gesture was meant to show appreciation to the president for approving the appointment of the permanent secretaries.
“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,” Wike said.
He added that the president’s approval had given hope to the permanent secretaries, who had previously lost hope in their career progression.
“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 explained.
The minister condemned those criticizing 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?” Wike added, “Instead of you to commend Mr. President for doing well, for giving hope to those that didn’t have hope before.”
The minister’s defense comes after widespread condemnation of his action, with many Nigerians describing it as an act of sycophancy.