FCT Minister Nyesom Wike accused politicians and some FCTA directors of “hijacking” a workers’ strike that disrupted the administration, and warned that employees who refuse to return to work after a court order will face legal action.
Speaking on Tuesday after a court ordered the strike suspended, Wike said the dispute had taken a “strange dimension” and urged staff to “act as workers, not politicians.”
He warned: “Anyone who disobeys the law or attempts to block access to government facilities will face the full weight of the law. We will not tolerate disorder.”
Wike said the government had addressed most legitimate demands, noting that “ten out of the fourteen demands presented by the Union have been addressed,” and promised the remaining issues — including payment of an outstanding wage award — would be settled by February.
He defended reforms he said some oppose, saying past contract abuses were over and that the administration is restoring proper governance.
The minister cited budget pressures to explain limits on instant delivery of all demands.
“The FCT is entitled to one percent of federal revenue… I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion,” he said, adding that Internally Generated Revenue rose from about ₦9 billion to ₦30 billion under his watch.
Wike urged patience and legal resolution: “This is a democracy, and disputes should be resolved legally… Let the court determine who is right and who is wrong, not propaganda or false narratives.”
