*Vows to clip wings of labour leader
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as a 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 locked school doors and disrupted public education was being driven by opposition political interests rather than genuine worker grievances.
The minister pointed directly at the political affiliations of the NLC Chairman, accusing him of harbouring partisan motives 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 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 has 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 to curb their actions, adding that FCTA’s legal advisers were currently 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”.
Rebuffing criticisms that his stern approach reflects autocratic leadership, Wike maintained that any counter action by the FCT Administration would strictly adhere to statutory provisions and the rule of law.
The NLC, FCT Council had on October 7 declared an indefinite strike over unresolved issues between the FCTA and the NUT.
