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*Promises to clip the union leader’s wings
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the strike declared by the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as politically motivated blackmail aimed at paralyzing the government.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said the ongoing labor dispute, which has blocked school doors and disrupted public education, was driven by opposition political interests rather than genuine workers’ grievances.
The minister directly highlighted the political affiliations of the NLC president, accusing him of harboring biased motivations against the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“It was political and so we must stop this blackmail.A person from the ADC who ran in the last area council elections is the chairman of the NLC in FCT.
“What do you think he would do? To make sure the government paralyzes, to use the striking teachers as a campaign,” he said.
Responding to allegations that the FCT administration owes teachers unpaid entitlements and promotion arrears, Wike insisted that his administration has fulfilled its financial obligations and invested heavily in public school infrastructure.
“We are not in debt. Go and see the schools today: what we have done in the schools, the rehabilitation of the schools and the provision of basic infrastructure.
“Labour cannot continue to blackmail us,” he said.
Expressing concern over the plight of primary and secondary school students forced to stay at home, Wike assured residents that the standoff would soon end.
He threatened to take legal action against the union leaders to curb their actions, adding that the FCTA’s legal advisors were currently finalizing the lawsuit.
“The negotiation must end because in the end it will be the children who will suffer, but don’t worry, we will resolve this. I will cover the wings of that NLC president.”
Rejecting criticism that his tough approach reflects autocratic leadership, Wike maintained that any counter-action by the FCT administration would strictly abide by the provisions of the law and the rule of law.
The NLC and FCT Council had declared an indefinite strike on October 7 over unresolved issues between the FCTA and NUT.
