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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned striking FCT workers to comply with subsisting court orders, stressing that the ongoing industrial dispute remains before the court.
Wike gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja while handing over 12 newly procured ambulances to public hospitals in the FCT.
His remarks followed the directive issued by labour leaders under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), asking FCT workers to resume the strike they commenced on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues.
Pointblanknews.com had earlier reported that workers resumed duties on Wednesday in line with a circular issued after an order of the National Industrial Court (NIC), which directed the suspension of the strike.
However, the unions later instructed workers to return to the strike after filing an appeal against the NIC ruling of January 27, which ordered the suspension of the industrial action and adjourned the matter to March 23. The appeal was filed through the unions’ lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN.
Reacting to the development, Wike insisted that filing a notice of appeal does not invalidate an existing court order.
“The mere fact that I find notice of appeal does not automatically mean there is a stay of execution,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we’re a lawless society.
“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.”
Wike warned that the FCT Administration would not hesitate to initiate contempt proceedings against anyone flouting the court’s directive.
“By the time we go for contempt of court against those who are blocking our gates or those who wrote letters that they will not obey the court order, then you will see the difference.
“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,” he said.
The minister maintained that the workers’ demands were being addressed, noting that most of the issues raised had already been resolved.
“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 accused some union leaders of politicising the matter.
“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, using some people.
“Of course, no government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen,” Wike said.
He assured FCT workers that the administration remains committed to addressing challenges within the system, stressing that problems must be resolved gradually.
“The whole essence is to have dialogue where there are problems, and say these problems, I can solve this now, leave this for me tomorrow, I’ll be able to solve that tomorrow.
“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. When you leave the office, another person will come and continue from where you stopped,” he added.
Wike further highlighted reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that FCTA staff now have clearer career progression paths.
He recalled that before the current administration, workers in the FCTA retired at the level of director, but can now rise to the position of permanent secretary.
He also cited the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission as another major reform aimed at strengthening the administration.