The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming he was chased out of office during the recent strike by FCTA workers, describing such stories as false and misleading.
In a post shared by Lere Olayinka via X, Wike explained that he was fully in control of his duties throughout the period. According to him, he was in his office, later went to the airport to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who travelled to Turkey, and then returned to continue his work. He said claims suggesting otherwise were spread to create confusion and score political points.
The minister also announced that he had approved the payment of January salaries for FCTA workers, amounting to over N12 billion, immediately after a court ordered the suspension of the strike. He said the government had already met most of the workers’ demands and had chosen dialogue before turning to the courts when the strike became disruptive.
Wike stressed that while workers have the right to protest in a democracy, strikes should be a last option. He warned that disobeying the court order would attract disciplinary action.
He further explained that the FCT faces serious financial challenges, as its federal allocation is small compared to its responsibilities. Despite this, he said the administration has improved internally generated revenue and carried out reforms that benefit workers, including new career opportunities.
Wike maintained that no amount of blackmail would distract the administration from enforcing the law and ensuring stability in the FCT.
In his words, “I was in my office, went to the airport to see Mr President, who travelled to Turkey, and returned. These stories are deliberate misinformation.”
Here’s a screenshot of the post.
Leave a Reply