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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
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 carry serious repercussions.
Speaking on Thursday during the handover of 12 new ambulances to FCT hospitals in Abuja, Wike responded to JUAC leaders’ decision to block gates and declare non-compliance with the court ruling. He emphasised that filing an appeal does not suspend the order.
“The mere fact that I file notice of appeal does not automatically mean there is a stay of execution,” Wike stated. “It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we’re in a lawless society.”
He advised restraint, noting, “You go and block the gates and say you will not obey court order. Let me advise you. It depends on who you are dealing with. By the time we go for contempt of court against those who are blocking our gates or those who wrote letter that they will not obey the court order, then you will see the difference.”
Wike stressed his administration’s openness to dialogue while addressing workers’ demands incrementally. “We did not take laws into our hands, all we said is, let’s go and see who is wrong and who is right. We are still open for dialogue but nobody should threaten the existence of anybody.”
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The minister assured that most concerns have been resolved, urging sincerity in negotiations. “If you make a request or a demand of five items, for example, and the government says okay, we can take up these three items, after this we take up the other two items. If you are really sincere, if there is no objective behind it, there is no way you will not accept.”
He dismissed politicisation of the dispute, saying, “But when you leave dialogue and begin to join us as politicians, we will first treat you as politicians. I can’t treat you as a worker but as a political opponent, trying to run the administration down… No government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen.”
Wike highlighted progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including career advancements for FCT workers—from retiring as directors previously to now reaching permanent secretary and Head of Service roles. He also pointed to the new FCT Civil Service Commission as a key reform.
“The whole essence is to have dialogue where there are problems,” he added. “Nobody can solve all our problems and as long as we are living, problems will come up. What is important is that you are focused and you are doing the best you can do.”
JUAC has yet to respond publicly to Wike’s remarks.
