KEY POINTS

• The AAC FCT Chapter condemned Wike’s directive banning mobile phone use by FCT workers, calling it authoritarian and undemocratic.

• The party warned the policy undermines civil service rights and threatens democratic norms, urging presidential intervention.

• Analysts suggest the ban could affect office efficiency and worker productivity, carrying broader economic consequences for the public sector.

The African Action Congress (AAC) has sharply criticised the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his controversial directive prohibiting FCT Administration staff from using mobile phones during office hours.

In a statement issued by the party’s FCT Chapter, Chairman Agena Robert Ande and Secretary Salako Kayode described the order as draconian and a blatant affront to democratic principles. They argued that the ban curtails civil servants’ right to communicate and constitutes a worrying example of authoritarian governance.

“The African Action Congress FCT Chapter is appalled by the blanket prohibition of mobile phone use for staff,” the statement said. “This action represents a stark manifestation of authoritarianism and is a gross affront to the fundamental principles of democracy.”

Concerns Over Civil Service Rights and Governance

According to SaharaReporters, the party accused Wike of displaying contempt for Nigeria’s civil service and attempting to reduce workers to a state of servitude. It warned that such measures erode the dignity of public servants, who are being denied basic freedoms, including the right to express themselves.

“We are not yet in a banana republic,” the statement declared. “This policy must not stand in a democratic society. Minister Wike’s arrogance and high-handedness have become a hallmark of his tenure, and it is imperative he is held accountable.”

The AAC further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, suggesting that Wike’s continued tenure threatens democratic norms and undermines public trust in governance. The party pledged to mobilise public outrage and resist any measures aimed at stifling dissent within the FCT Administration.

The directive has sparked debate about workplace rights and governance practices in Nigeria’s capital, highlighting broader tensions between civil service autonomy and ministerial authority. Observers note that policies limiting communication tools could have economic implications, affecting office productivity, administrative efficiency, and the ability of workers to manage personal and professional matters effectively.

“This is more than a political issue,” the statement concluded. “It is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. Citizens and civil servants alike must remain vigilant to ensure that governance does not trample on fundamental freedoms.”