By Kalu obasi Benjamin
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has sent a clear message to striking workers: respect the court or face the music. Speaking while donating 12 new ambulances to local hospitals, Wike warned the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) that ignoring a court order to stop their strike is a fast track to legal trouble. He reminded them that even if they appeal a ruling, they must still obey the current law, or they will be held in “contempt of court.”
The Minister didn’t hold back, calling the union’s move to block government gates a sign of a “lawless society.” He warned that his administration will not be bullied by threats or illegal road blocks. Wike noted that while the government is still happy to talk, it will not allow people to take the law into their own hands. He challenged the union to be sincere, noting that you can’t get everything you want all at once.
Wike also warned union leaders not to act like politicians. He stated that if the workers stop being “workers” and start acting like “political opponents” trying to pull down the government, he will treat them as such. He argued that some people might be using the union for their own political gain rather than the actual welfare of the staff.
The Minister reminded the crowd that the current administration has already done a lot for FCT workers. For the first time, staff can now rise to the top rank of Permanent Secretary instead of being stuck as Directors. He also mentioned the new FCT Civil Service Commission as proof that President Tinubu cares about their careers. According to Wike, these are massive wins that the union should acknowledge.
Wike concluded by saying that no one can solve every problem in one day. He promised to keep fixing the FCT’s issues one by one, as long as everyone stays focused and works together. He urged the workers to stick to dialogue and the rule of law so the city can keep running smoothly.
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