NLC, NUT indefinite strike politically motivated blackmail – Wike

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 aimed at paralysing the government.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike claimed that the ongoing labour dispute, which has led to school closures and disrupted public education, was being driven by opposition political interests rather than genuine workers’ grievances.

The minister pointed to the political affiliations of the NLC chairman in the FCT, accusing him of harbouring partisan motives linked 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,” he said.

Addressing accusations that the FCT Administration owes teachers unpaid entitlements and promotion arrears, Wike insisted that his administration had met its financial obligations and invested heavily 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 said.

Expressing concern over the plight of primary and secondary school students forced to stay at home, Wike assured residents that the deadlock would soon end.

He threatened to take legal action against labour union leaders, adding that the FCT Administration’s legal advisers were finalising the suit.

“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 criticisms that his tough approach reflected autocratic leadership, Wike maintained that any counteraction by the FCT Administration would strictly adhere to statutory provisions and the rule of law.

The NLC FCT Council had declared an indefinite strike on October 7 over unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and the NUT.