JUAC Leaders Face Contempt Warning From Wike

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to comply with court orders in the ongoing strike dispute, warning that disobedience could lead to legal consequences.

The minister issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja while handing over 12 newly acquired ambulances to hospitals within the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized that the strike matter is still before the courts and that filing a notice of appeal does not automatically halt the execution of court orders.

“The mere fact that I file a notice of appeal does not automatically mean there is a stay of execution,” Wike stated. He described threats to ignore court orders as a threat to the rule of law, noting that such actions could destabilize society.

“It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we’re in a lawless society,” he added. The minister further warned that the government would not hesitate to initiate contempt proceedings against individuals or groups that defy judicial directives.

Wike explained that the FCT Administration has chosen to address the dispute through legal channels, stating, “We did not take laws into our hands; all we said is, let’s go and see who is wrong and who is right.” Despite his firm stance, he affirmed that dialogue remains possible as long as the stability of the administration is not threatened.

The minister revealed that many of the workers’ demands had already been met, with only a few outstanding issues remaining. He stressed that genuine dialogue requires compromise, adding, “If you make a request of five items, for example, and the government says we can take up these three items, after this we take up the other two items. If you are sincere, there is no way you will not accept.”

Wike accused some union leaders of abandoning dialogue and politicizing the dispute. “But when you leave dialogue and begin to join us as politicians, we will first treat you as politicians. I can’t treat you as a worker but as a political opponent,” he said, emphasizing that no government would ignore attempts to undermine its administration.

Highlighting reforms under the Tinubu administration, Wike assured that challenges within the FCT Administration are being addressed gradually. He recalled that before the current administration, workers could only rise to the rank of director, but now they can attain the positions of permanent secretary and Head of Service. The creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission was also noted as a significant reform to strengthen the welfare and career progression of FCT workers.