Defiance in FCT: Workers Defy Court Order, Continue Strike Despite Wike’s Call to Resume Duties

Striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration have continued their industrial action despite a National Industrial Court order to suspend the strike. The unions, including the Joint Union Action Committee, Nigeria Union of Teachers, and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, are demanding payment of five-month wage awards, promotion arrears, hazard allowances, and remittance of pension deductions.

The court issued an injunction on Tuesday restraining union leaders Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh, but workers argued the order targeted only the leaders, not the entire workforce. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s aide claimed union leaders have resumed, but schools and healthcare facilities remain largely shut across the territory.

Key Points:

Prolonged strike disrupts public services, including education and healthcare, affecting residents across the FCT.
Non-payment of allowances and arrears deepens financial hardship for civil servants and their families.
The defiance of a court order tests legal authority and may lead to escalated sanctions or negotiations.
The standoff reflects broader tensions between government austerity measures and workers’ welfare demands.
Miscommunication between union leadership and rank-and-file members complicates resolution efforts.

Effective dialogue and clear communication will be essential to resolving the deadlock and restoring public services in the nation’s capital.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Court Documents, Union Statements