Any FCTA worker refusing court order to resume will be made scapegoat – Wike

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Any FCTA worker refusing court order to resume will be made scapegoat – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that any worker of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who fails to resume duty following a court order will face sanctions.

Wike issued the warning on Tuesday, January 27, while speaking with journalists after a court directed the striking workers to suspend their industrial action. He said there must be consequences for disobeying a valid court order and that enforcement would begin from Wednesday, January 27.

“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people break the law flagrantly? I have given them a window but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick,” Wike said.

“From tomorrow (Wednesday), if we see anybody who wants to block the gate, they will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place,” he added.

The minister said the FCTA had demonstrated a willingness to engage with the workers, noting that meetings had been held between labour representatives and management.

“We have been disposed to dialogue. They have met with management, so what are the issues? If genuinely they want dialogue, then we’ll talk,” Wike said.

“But if it’s on blackmail and intimidation, then we will not agree. If they like, they can hire all the civil servants in Abuja, it’s not my business,” he added.

FCTA workers began an indefinite strike last week over what they described as the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands. The industrial action led to the shutdown of activities across major government offices in Abuja.

In response, Wike instituted legal action against the Joint Unions Action Committee over the strike. On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the workers to suspend the industrial action.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, Emmanuel Subilim, held that while the dispute constituted a trade dispute, the workers’ right to embark on a strike was not absolute. He ruled that once a matter has been referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.

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