Politicians hijacked FCTA workers’ strike — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused unnamed politicians and senior civil servants of hijacking the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), warning striking employees to return to work or face legal consequences.

Wike made the allegation on Tuesday while briefing journalists shortly after the National Industrial Court ordered an end to the industrial action, which has disrupted public services in Abuja for more than a week.

According to the minister, the FCTA approached the court after determining that the strike had gone beyond workers’ welfare issues and was being exploited for political purposes, despite ongoing efforts by the administration to resolve the dispute through dialogue.

“The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” Wike said, adding that several of the demands raised by workers were either unreasonable or had already been addressed.

He maintained that the FCTA had taken concrete steps to address workers’ concerns, including salary payments and reforms within the civil service.

Wike disclosed that over ₦12 billion had just been approved for the payment of January salaries, describing the move as evidence of the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.

The minister also pointed to improved revenue performance under his leadership, stating that the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in Internally Generated Revenue, a significant increase compared to previous years.

Wike urged workers to acknowledge reforms undertaken by the administration, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and investments in infrastructure across the territory.

He argued that inefficiencies within the public service had contributed to underdevelopment in the FCT and other parts of the country.

He also dismissed social media reports claiming he was chased out of his office during protests linked to the strike, describing the reports as false. According to him, he had only stepped out on Monday to see President Bola Tinubu off at the airport.

“I was never chased out of my office,” he said.

Adopting a firm stance, the minister warned against any further disruption of government operations, saying that attempts to lock government premises would attract severe consequences.

“Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat. The law must be obeyed,” Wike warned.

He further alleged that some senior civil servants, including certain directors, were actively sustaining the strike but said this would not deter the administration from enforcing the law.

Wike stressed that engagement between workers and the government did not require direct access to him personally, noting that workers’ representatives had been in talks with management throughout the dispute.

“Seeing me in person is not a right,” he said.

The minister concluded by warning that workers who fail to comply with the court order and resume duties from the following day would face legal action, as the FCTA moves to restore full public services in the nation’s capital.