The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) of using their ongoing industrial dispute to advance political interests, warning that his administration would take legal action against union leaders.
Wike made the allegation during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, amid an indefinite strike that has disrupted public education and forced pupils and students to remain at home.
The minister alleged that the industrial action was politically motivated, pointing to the political affiliation of the FCT NLC chairman, whom he claimed had previously contested an area council election under 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,” he said.
Responding to allegations that the FCT Administration owed teachers outstanding entitlements and promotion arrears, Wike maintained that the government had fulfilled its financial obligations and invested in renovating public schools and providing basic 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 said.
Wike expressed concern about the impact of the prolonged dispute on primary and secondary school students but assured residents that the impasse would be resolved.
He also disclosed that the administration was preparing to pursue legal action against the union leaders, saying its 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 handling of the dispute reflected autocratic leadership, the minister insisted that any response by the FCT Administration would comply with the law.
The NLC FCT Council declared an indefinite strike on October 7 over unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and the NUT.
