The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned workers under the Joint Union Action Committee over their continued strike action, saying the matter remains in court and court orders must be respected. He gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja while handing over 12 newly acquired ambulances to hospitals in the FCT.
Wike spoke in reaction to the actions taken by leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee, who have continued with the strike despite the court process. He stated that filing an appeal does not automatically stop the enforcement of a court judgement and warned that refusal to comply with court orders could attract legal consequences.
According to the minister, ignoring court decisions and blocking access to government facilities creates disorder and weakens the rule of law. He noted that the FCT Administration had chosen to follow legal processes rather than act outside the law, adding that anyone found blocking offices or openly rejecting court rulings could face contempt proceedings.
Wike said the FCT Administration remains open to dialogue with the workers but made it clear that threats or actions capable of disrupting governance would not be tolerated. He explained that most of the workers’ demands had already been addressed, while discussions were ongoing on the remaining ones.
The minister explained that government sometimes handles demands in stages, resolving some immediately while others are scheduled for later. He added that sincere engagement would involve accepting progress made instead of abandoning talks for confrontation. He warned that once union actions take on political tones, the government would respond accordingly.
He assured FCT workers that issues affecting the administration were being handled step by step, noting that it is not possible to solve every problem at once. Wike said leadership requires focus and steady effort, and that governance is a continuous process that others will build upon.
The minister also recalled reforms under the current administration, noting that FCTA staff now have opportunities to rise to the rank of permanent secretary and even Head of Service. He added that the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission was another step taken to improve the welfare and career growth of workers in the territory.