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 toward paralysing the federal government.

Speaking throughout a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike claimed that the continued labour dispute, which has led to highschool closures and disrupted public schooling, was being pushed by opposition political pursuits relatively than real employees’ grievances.

The minister pointed to the political affiliations of the NLC chairman within the FCT, accusing him of harbouring partisan motives linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“It was political and so we should cease this blackmail. An ADC one that ran for election up to now space 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 stated.

Addressing accusations that the FCT Administration owes lecturers unpaid entitlements and promotion arrears, Wike insisted that his administration had met its monetary obligations and invested closely in public college infrastructure.

“We will not be owing. Go and see the faculties right this moment—what we’ve got performed within the faculties, the rehabilitation of faculties and offering the fundamental infrastructure.

“Labour cannot continue to blackmail us,” he stated.

Expressing concern over the plight of main and secondary college college students pressured to remain at dwelling, Wike assured residents that the impasse would quickly finish.

He threatened to take authorized motion towards labour union leaders, including that the FCT Administration’s authorized advisers had been finalising the swimsuit.

“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 stated.

Rejecting criticisms that his robust method mirrored autocratic management, Wike maintained that any counteraction by the FCT Administration would strictly adhere to statutory provisions and the rule of regulation.

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