By Stanley Onyekwere
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to striking workers, declaring that the administration will no longer tolerate “frivolous” demands or political interference in labour disputes.
Briefing newsmen yesterday, following a court order to suspend the ongoing strike, Wike emphasized that the era of “business as usual” is over and warned that any worker failing to resume duties on Wednesday will face severe disciplinary consequences.
The Minister explained that while the administration initially prioritized dialogue and engagement, the process was compromised by political interests.
He said: “When it became clear that politicians were about to hijack the strike, we had no choice but to seek legal intervention.
“We decided to allow the court to determine, on merit, what the real issues were and whether the demands were justified.”
Wike noted that the administration has already addressed many worker concerns, arguing that a strike should be a last resort.
He pointed out the irony of workers demanding a 14-Day window for resolution when the government had met major requirements within 10 days.
Financial Reality and Reforms Addressing the public narrative on FCT finances, Wike provided a breakdown of the territory’s fiscal constraints.
He revealed that while the FCT’s monthly federal allocation is roughly N10 billion, the January salary bill alone exceeded N12 billion.
“Even if the FCT receives its allocation, it is not enough to pay salaries and run the administration. That is why we rely heavily on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he said.
He added that under his leadership, IGR has surged from N9 billion to N30 billion, funding landmark reforms including: the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of the first Permanent Secretaries and a Head of Service, and Career progression for workers who previously retired at the directorate level.
The Minister dismissed rumors that he had been chased out of his office by protesters as “deliberate misinformation,” clarifying that he had been on official travel to Turkey.
He further alleged that certain directors are instigating labor unrest because the administration has tightened controls on contract handling.
According to hin: “Workers must act as workers, not politicians. Anyone who disobeys the law or attempts to block access to government facilities will face the full weight of the law.”
Responding to questions regarding the immediate future, the Minister was unequivocal: the court has ordered a suspension of the industrial action.
“Disobeying the law has consequences. From tomorrow, any worker who refuses to resume work will face disciplinary action.
“ Anyone who attempts to block government facilities will be treated as a scapegoat under the law”, he warned.
Reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law, the Minister said while the administration will obey court rulings, it will not be intimidated by “blackmail or political games.”
