Wike cautions JUAC against disobeying court orders

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned FCT workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to obey court orders, warning that defiance carries serious consequences.

Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja while handing over 12 newly procured ambulances to FCT hospitals. His remarks followed actions by JUAC leaders amid the ongoing strike, which he said is still before the court.

According to the minister, filing a notice of appeal does not amount to a stay of execution, stressing that refusing to obey court orders promotes lawlessness.

“It is unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we are in a lawless society,” Wike said.

He warned that anyone blocking access to government facilities or openly declaring disobedience to court directives could face contempt proceedings.

He maintained that the FCT Administration had not taken the law into its own hands, noting that the matter was before the court to determine right and wrong.

Wike also said the government remained open to dialogue but would not tolerate threats to its authority.

The minister explained that many of the workers’ demands were already being addressed, adding that genuine negotiations require compromise.

“If government agrees to address three out of five demands now and the remaining later, sincerity demands acceptance,” he said.

He accused some union leaders of abandoning dialogue for political motives, warning that such actions would be treated as political opposition rather than labour issues.

Wike assured workers that challenges facing the FCT Administration were being tackled gradually, noting that no government could resolve all problems at once.

He also highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including improved career progression for FCTA staff, who can now rise to the rank of permanent secretary and Head of Service. He added that the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission was another major reform aimed at strengthening the service.