By Our Correspondent Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday escaped unhurt after aggrieved workers of the FCT Administration reportedly besieged him over the non-payment of salaries and allowances running into several months.
The protesting workers, who include teachers and other staff of the FCT Administration, were said to have demanded the immediate payment of their outstanding entitlements, estimated at about ₦10 billion.
The protest followed a series of warning strikes earlier embarked upon by the workers over the lingering salary arrears and allowances. It was gathered that the industrial action compelled the minister to approach the Industrial Arbitration Court, seeking an order to restrain the workers from continuing the protest.
The court reportedly adjourned the matter till March and appealed to the workers to return to work pending the determination of the case. However, as of press time on Wednesday, many of the workers were still at home, insisting that their demands must be addressed before a full return to duty.
Meanwhile, top-level consultations are ongoing among organised labour groups, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) and other stakeholders, over the impasse.
Sources said the labour unions have resolved to forward the outcome of their deliberations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for further intervention.
The minister and his management team have also been accused by the protesting workers of gross negligence, embezzlement and failure to remit workers’ entitlements to the appropriate authorities. The workers have consequently called for the minister’s removal from office.
As at the time of filing this report, the FCT Administration had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
