The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT workers to respect court directives, noting that the strike issue is still under judicial review.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday while handing over 12 new ambulances to hospitals across Abuja.
His comments followed the actions of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), which had on Wednesday instructed FCT workers to resume the strike that began on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues.
The directive came after the National Industrial Court, on January 27, ordered workers to suspend the strike and adjourned the case to March 23. JUAC had filed an appeal against the ruling through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN.
Wike said: “Filing a notice of appeal does not automatically stop the court order. Refusing to obey legal directives is unacceptable in a law-abiding society. Blocking offices or defying court orders will lead to contempt proceedings. Dialogue is still open, but threats to anyone or the administration will not be tolerated.”
He added that most of the workers’ concerns are being addressed: “If five demands are made and the government acts on three, the remaining two will be resolved later. Genuine dialogue should not be politicized. Turning requests into political acts will be treated accordingly.”
The Minister emphasized that reforms in the FCT Administration are ongoing, explaining that not all problems can be solved at once. “Progress requires patience. Issues will be addressed step by step, and future leaders will continue the work.”
He also highlighted key reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including opportunities for FCTA workers to rise to permanent secretary positions and the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission.
(NAN)
