The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as politically motivated blackmail intended to cripple the government.
Wike made the claim during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, alleging that the labour dispute, which has resulted in school closures and disrupted public education, was being driven by opposition political interests rather than genuine workers’ grievances.
The minister questioned the political neutrality of the NLC chairman in the FCT, alleging that he had links to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“It was political and so we must stop this blackmail. An ADC person who ran for election in the past area council election is the chairman of the NLC in FCT.
“What do you think he would do? To make sure that the government cripples, to use as a campaign that teachers are on strike,” Wike said.
Responding to allegations that the FCT Administration owed teachers unpaid entitlements and promotion arrears, the minister insisted that his administration had met its financial obligations and invested significantly in public school infrastructure.
“We are not owing. Go and see the schools today—what we have done in the schools, the rehabilitation of schools and providing the basic infrastructure.
“Labour cannot continue to blackmail us,” he stated.
Wike expressed concern over the impact of the prolonged dispute on primary and secondary school students, assuring residents that the impasse would soon be resolved.
He also threatened legal action against labour union leaders, disclosing that the FCT Administration’s legal advisers were finalising the necessary court processes.
“Negotiation has to end because it is the children that will suffer at the end of the day, but don’t worry, we will solve it. I will clip the wings of that NLC chairman,” he said.
Rejecting suggestions that his approach amounted to autocratic leadership, Wike maintained that any action taken by the FCT Administration would comply with relevant laws and the rule of law.
The NLC FCT Council declared an indefinite strike on October 7 over unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and the NUT.
