Wike Urges Workers to Respect Court Order Amid Strike Dispute

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reminded FCT workers that the ongoing strike dispute remains under judicial review, urging them to comply with the court’s order.

Wike made the statement while handing over 12 new ambulances to FCT hospitals in Abuja on Thursday.

His remarks came in response to the actions of the FCT workers’ union under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC). On Wednesday, JUAC directed workers to resume the strike that began on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns.

The directive followed the National Industrial Court’s January 27 ruling, which ordered the strike to be suspended and adjourned the case to March 23. The union had filed an appeal against the ruling through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN.

Reacting, Wike said: “Filing a notice of appeal does not automatically stay execution. It’s concerning when people say they will not obey court orders—that undermines the rule of law. Blocking gates or refusing to follow court orders will prompt legal action for contempt. We are open to dialogue, but threats to anyone’s safety or the administration will not be tolerated.”

He assured workers that most of their welfare concerns are being addressed, explaining: “If you request five items and the government can act on three immediately, the remaining two will be addressed later. Genuine dialogue should be met with cooperation, not politicization. If demands are turned into political moves, they will be treated as such.”

Wike stressed that reforms in the FCT Administration are ongoing, noting that problems cannot be solved all at once. “Dialogue is key: some issues are addressed now, others later. Progress continues as long as we remain committed.”

He also highlighted career reforms under the Tinubu administration, including the ability for FCTA workers to rise to the rank of permanent secretary and the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

(NAN)