The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered strict disciplinary action against officials involved in issuing an unauthorized circular directing the closure of schools in Abuja.
Wike, who spoke to journalists on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Guzape II District, said he was shocked to learn about the directive through a television news scroll. He emphasized that no such approval came from his office.
“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll announcing that the FCTA had directed schools to shut down. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I later discovered a circular had been issued to schools without any authorization.”
The Minister confirmed that the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, had been placed on indefinite suspension, adding that further sanctions would be applied in line with civil service rules. He warned that all Directors connected to the directive would also be disciplined.
Wike dismissed claims that the action was a security precaution, insisting that even he would not issue such an order without consulting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On his inspection tour, the Minister reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to completing ongoing and inherited projects to support the city’s expansion. He said the Guzape II District project, awarded six years ago, had suffered delays due to funding challenges, affecting plot owners who have been unable to develop their properties.
He further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the long-delayed infrastructure project for Maitama II, a district where inadequate development has stalled access to allocated plots.
Wike assured that all affected property owners in construction zones would receive due compensation and relocation in line with established FCTA policies.
