The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to the protests by workers of the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO) over the dismissal of their Managing Director.
The Minister stated that he is not moved by the workers’ tears or their emotional display. He emphasized that sentiment will not deter him from making necessary decisions.
Wike said, “That is why when I watch people on video, crying that somebody has been removed and that he has been doing well, but the question is if you have been doing well, where are the buses?
“No sentiment, no emotions will be considered when we are doing what is right. We will do the right thing in the interest of the people. If you like, carry 20 people, put a video and cry as much as you want to cry, it will not bother us.
What bothers us is the reality on the ground.”
He counseled political appointees to always be ready for the possibility of leaving office at any moment, as new leadership might desire a complete overhaul. Wike further stated, “You’re not a civil servant who can claim immunity from dismissal on the grounds of not having reached retirement age.
“Even as a minister, I can be relieved of my position now. You don’t need to cry; some other people will come and all we pray for is, let us get the best.”
This statement comes in response to the ongoing protests by AUMTCO workers who are demanding the reinstatement of their sacked Managing Director. The workers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, staging demonstrations and sharing emotional videos on social media.