The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of politicising the ongoing strike by teachers in the territory, alleging that the action is aimed at undermining the FCT Administration.
Wike made the allegation while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, arguing that political interests, rather than genuine labour concerns, were driving the industrial action, which has disrupted teaching and learning in public schools.
He questioned the political affiliation of the FCT NLC chairman, alleging that the union leader’s association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had influenced the strike.
“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,” Wike said.
The minister’s comments followed concerns over unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and organised labour, including allegations of unpaid entitlements and promotion arrears owed to teachers.
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Wike denied that the administration owed the workers, citing investments in the rehabilitation of public schools and the provision of basic infrastructure.
“We are not owing. Go and see the schools today. What we have done in the schools is the rehabilitation of schools and providing the basic infrastructure.
“Labour cannot continue to blackmail us,” he said.
Expressing concern over the impact of the strike on pupils and students, the minister said the dispute would be resolved, warning that prolonged industrial action could undermine access to education.
He also threatened legal action against labour leaders, disclosing that the FCT Administration’s legal advisers were preparing a court case.
“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.
Responding to criticism of his handling of the dispute, Wike maintained that any action taken by the FCT Administration would comply with the law.
The NLC FCT Council declared an indefinite strike on 7 October over unresolved disputes involving the FCT Administration and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The strike has disrupted academic activities in affected public schools, leaving pupils and students facing uncertainty over when normal lessons will resume.
