By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed the six area councils in the territory to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking workers, insisting that the industrial action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, is politically motivated.
Wike who stated this during an emergency meeting with Area councils Chairmen in Abuja, described the ongoing NLC ordered strike action as unjustified.
He argued that the issues raised by the labour union had either been resolved or were already being addressed by the relevant authorities.
The minister maintained that there was no outstanding dispute between the area councils and the affected teachers that warranted industrial action.
According to him, issues relating to promotions are being addressed, while the appointment of directors is an establishment matter that cannot be altered by the NLC.
He said the position of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and senior primary school teachers, who reportedly declined to participate in the strike, further demonstrated that the action was unnecessary.
“I have directed the area councils to go back and call their teachers and civil servants. Failure to do this, we will implement ‘No Work, No Pay.’”
The minister accused the FCT NLC leadership of attempting to create a crisis in the territory for political reasons, alleging that the union’s chairman had previously contested an area council election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He alleged that the strike was intended to disrupt academic activities and create a negative impression about the administration ahead of future elections.
Wike warned labour leaders against using their union positions to pursue political interests, insisting that anyone interested in partisan politics should relinquish their leadership positions within the labour movement.
“If you want to involve yourself in politics, you are free to, but then excuse yourself from being the leadership of the union, so you don’t politicise it,” he said.
The minister further insisted that the area councils had no unresolved issues with the affected workers, stressing that agreements reached with labour were being implemented.
He described the strike as an attempt to blackmail the FCT Administration, adding that the government would not tolerate the continued disruption of teaching and learning in public schools.
” This is political, we won’t accept it”.
Wike reiterated that the No Work, No Pay policy would be enforced across the area councils in relation to the affected school workers, maintaining that the administration saw no justification for the strike.
