The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the circular directing schools across the FCT to close did not emanate from him nor the Mandate Secretary for Education.
Wike who stated this while Speaking to the press after inspecting the ongoing construction of Road N11 in Guzape, expressed shock upon seeing the directive reported on a news scroll:
“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll claiming FCT had ordered schools to close. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the SSS, who confirmed it was not on the agenda.
“There is absolutely no threat that justifies shutting down schools,” he added, condemning the announcement as detached from reality”, he said.
The Minister also said he spoke with the Mandate Secretary for Education, who denied knowledge of any such directive:
“I learnt that a circular was distributed to all schools without our approval. It is inconceivable that such a decision was made without the knowledge of the head of the FCT. It is very unfortunate.
“How could such an action be taken prematurely? I myself cannot do that without notifying the President. This is the FCT — what does it suggest if there is insecurity here?
“Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have never closed schools due to threats, so how can anyone say we did?” he questioned.
Wike therefore reassured parents and school officials that security agencies were working tirelessly to keep schools open and vowed that no one involved in the unauthorised directive would be spared.
