The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that any worker of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who refuses to comply with a court order directing the suspension of the ongoing strike will face sanctions.
Wike issued the warning on Tuesday, January 27, while addressing journalists shortly after the National Industrial Court ordered the striking workers to return to work pending the determination of the dispute.
He stressed that disobedience to a valid court order would not be tolerated, noting that enforcement would commence from Wednesday.
According to the minister, workers who fail to resume duty or attempt to obstruct access to government facilities would be singled out and dealt with in accordance with the law.
“There must be consequences for disobeying the law. From tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick,” Wike said. “Anybody who tries to block the gate will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place.”
Wike maintained that the FCTA had shown readiness to resolve the dispute through dialogue, explaining that meetings had already taken place between labour representatives and management.
“We have been disposed to dialogue. They have met with management, so what are the issues? If they genuinely want dialogue, we will talk,” he said.
However, the minister warned that the administration would not succumb to what he described as blackmail or intimidation, adding that government operations must continue uninterrupted.