Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has again cautioned workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) against defying a court order amid their ongoing strike, warning that such actions could attract serious repercussions.
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Speaking on Thursday during the handover of 12 new ambulances to FCT hospitals in Abuja, Wike reacted to the decision by JUAC leaders to block gates and declare non-compliance with a court ruling. He stressed that the filing of an appeal does not automatically suspend a court order.
“The mere fact that I file a notice of appeal does not automatically mean there is a stay of execution,” Wike said. “It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we are in a lawless society.”
He warned against blocking government facilities, saying: “You go and block the gates and say you will not obey a court order. Let me advise you. It depends on who you are dealing with. By the time we initiate contempt proceedings against those blocking our gates or those who wrote letters saying they will not obey court orders, then you will see the difference.”
Wike maintained that his administration remains open to dialogue and is addressing workers’ demands progressively.
“We did not take laws into our hands. All we said was, let us see who is wrong and who is right. We are still open to dialogue, but nobody should threaten the existence of anybody,” he said.
The minister added that many of the workers’ demands had already been addressed and urged sincerity in negotiations.
“If you make five demands and the government agrees to take up three now and the remaining two later, if you are sincere and have no ulterior motive, there is no way you will not accept,” he said.
Wike also warned against politicising the dispute, stating: “When you leave dialogue and begin to act like politicians, we will treat you as political opponents. I cannot treat you as workers but as people trying to bring down the administration. No government will allow that.”
He highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that FCT workers can now rise to the ranks of permanent secretary and Head of Service, unlike in the past when they retired as directors. He also cited the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission as a major milestone.
“The essence is dialogue where there are problems,” Wike said. “Nobody can solve all problems, but what matters is focus and doing the best you can.”
JUAC has yet to publicly respond to the minister’s remarks.
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