Why I Asked Permanent Secretaries to Bow Before President Tinubu – Wike

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has addressed recent controversy surrounding a video in which he asked permanent secretaries to bow before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the seventh FCT project, an event marking President Tinubu’s first year in office, Wike clarified the situation. The minister debunked reports suggesting that he had mandated permanent secretaries in the FCTA to bow to the President as a sign of subservience.

Wike explained, “Two days ago, when the President came, we wanted to thank him for his efforts in ensuring career progression for those who had lost hope. Previously, FCTA did not have permanent secretaries, but with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative, he ensured they could reach the peak of their careers, potentially becoming Heads of the Civil Service.”

He continued, “The President granted this, and I invited the new permanent secretaries, the beneficiaries of this initiative, to come out, take a bow, and thank the President. It is an honor to be called out to take a bow. However, some critics have misconstrued this gesture, questioning why permanent secretaries should be asked to take a bow.”

To further illustrate his point, Wike also called out the six area council chairmen, referring to them as the change agents of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and asked them to bow before the President.