Governance
FCT Strike: Wike Accuses NLC of Political Motives, Directs Salary Enforcement
In an effort to compel FCT workers participating in the ongoing strike to resume work, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate enforcement of a “no work, no pay” policy against workers participating in the strike declared by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Wike, who described the industrial action as unnecessary, politically driven and unacceptable, said the FCT Administration would not be pressured through what he termed political blackmail.
The minister gave the directive on Friday after an executive meeting, where he said all issues raised by the labour union had already been addressed and were being implemented by the administration.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Wike directed the chairmen of the six Area Councils in the territory to ensure compliance with the policy, particularly among teachers and civil servants who fail to resume their duties.
“We want to state categorically and let it be known to the public: this so-called strike declaration is political, and we will not accept it. We will not accept it because there is no basis for anybody to call for a strike,” Wike said.
He maintained that the FCT Administration had no outstanding dispute with local government areas, local education authorities or primary schools.
According to him, major stakeholders in the education sector, including senior primary school teachers and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), had rejected the strike because the concerns being raised had already been resolved.
“The body of senior primary school teachers have said no, they cannot be party to this strike, that it is uncalled for. All the things they are talking about have been agreed and are being implemented, so why do we go on strike?” he said.
Wike explained that issues relating to promotion were already receiving attention, while matters concerning directors remained establishment issues beyond the authority of the FCT Administration to alter.
“I have directed the area councils to go back and call their teachers and civil servants. If anybody does this, we’ll implement ‘no work, no pay.’ Enough is enough; we can’t continue with this,” the minister stated.
The FCT Minister also accused the leadership of the NLC FCT Council of pursuing political interests, alleging that the union chairman previously contested an Area Council election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He claimed the strike was being used as a tool to create instability in the territory ahead of future elections.
“If you ask who is the chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, he was a former Area Council candidate of the ADC in the last election,” Wike alleged.
He warned that anyone interested in partisan politics should leave union leadership positions to avoid politicising labour organisations.
“If you want to involve yourself in politics, you are free to do so, but excuse yourself from being the leadership of the union, so you don’t politicise it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Wike announced a fresh security crackdown on unauthorised commercial activities along the Gwagwalada-Asokoro axis of the FCT.
The minister said the administration had received reports of attempts by some individuals to establish illegal beer parlours, motor parks and other businesses without government approval.
“We have been told of some issues of security threats extending from certain areas of Gwagwalada to Asokoro, where some people are trying to open up beer parlour businesses, motor parks and all of that. There are no such approvals, and we will not allow that,” he warned.
He directed the Department of Development Control, working with relevant security agencies, to remove illegal structures and operators from the affected areas.
Wike said the move was aimed at preventing potential security challenges and maintaining order within the nation’s capital.