Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike reminded FCT employees that the strike issue was still pending in court and urged them to follow the court’s directives.
On Thursday, Wike made this statement while delivering twelve brand-new ambulances to FCT hospitals in Abuja.
The statement was made in reaction to the FCT workers’ union leaders’ actions under the Joint Union Action Committee, or JUAC.
According to reports, JUAC ordered FCT employees to continue the walkout they started on January 19 due to unresolved welfare issues on Wednesday.
The directive came after the National Industrial Court’s January 27 ruling, which ordered the workers to halt the strike and postponed the case until March 23.
Through its principal attorney, Femi Falana, SAN, the union filed an appeal against the industrial court’s ruling.
“The mere fact that I find notice of appeal does not automatically mean there is a stay of execution,” Wike responded.
When people claim they won’t follow court instructions, it’s regrettable. Thus, our society is lawless.
“You go block the gates and declare that you won’t follow the court’s order. Allow me to give you some advice. Depending on the person you are interacting with, yes.
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You will see the difference by the time we file a contempt of court case against people who are obstructing our gates or who have written letters stating that they will not follow the court’s order.
“We simply said, ‘Let’s go and see who is wrong and who is right.'” We did not enact laws.
“We are still open to discussion, but no one should endanger anyone’s life.”
The Minister added that the workers’ concerns were being handled, adding that the majority of the difficulties have been remedied.
For instance, if you ask for five things and the government responds, “Okay, we can take up these three items, then we take up the other two.”
“There is no way you won’t accept if you are truly sincere and there is no goal behind it.”
However, we will start treating you like a politician when you stop talking and start acting like one. I can’t treat you like an employee; instead, I have to treat you like a political rival who is attempting to undermine the administration by exploiting certain individuals.
He stated, “Obviously, no government will close its eyes and let that happen.”
He emphasized that no one could tackle every issue at once and reassured the employees that the issues impacting the FCT Administration were being addressed one by one.
“The main idea is to have conversations about issues and say things like, “I can solve this now, leave it for me tomorrow, and I’ll be able to solve that tomorrow.”
“Problems will arise as long as we are alive, and no one can fix them all.
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“What matters is that you are working hard and staying focused. Another individual will pick up where you left off when you leave the office,” he continued.
He noted that prior to President Bola Tinubu’s government, FCTA employees could become permanent secretaries after retiring as directors.
He continued by saying that the Tinubu administration’s establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission was another reform.