Wike To FCTA Workers : Reconsider, Allow Peace To Reign

Speaking during an engagement with stakeholders, Wike warned against intimidation and politicisation of labour issues, noting that while dialogue remains the preferred option, the government will not allow any attempt to run the administration aground.

“We are still open for dialogue, but nobody should intimidate us. Have a reconsideration and allow peace to reign. The future of this country belongs to all of us,” Wike said.

He maintained that litigation is not the best approach to resolving industrial disputes, but explained that the government had no choice in certain instances in order to prevent what he described as the hijacking of the process.

Wike accused some political opponents of exploiting the situation to undermine the administration, insisting that his government would not tolerate such tactics.

“I will not allow political opposition to run the administration down. When issues become political, we will treat them as such,” he stated.

The minister also expressed disappointment over what he described as ingratitude among some officials, revealing that reforms introduced by his administration had corrected longstanding structural issues within the FCTA.

“Before now, many people would have retired as directors. There was no Head of Service, no Civil Service Commission, and no Permanent Secretaries in the FCTA. We pushed reforms to correct these anomalies,” he said.

Wike further alleged that inefficiencies within the system, driven by some staff, contributed to the low performance of previous administrations in meeting residents’ needs.

Highlighting achievements under his leadership, the minister disclosed that the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has increased significantly.

“Under my administration, we have grown the IGR from ₦9 billion to about ₦30 billion monthly,” he noted.

He warned directors and management staff sabotaging government’s efforts to desist, adding that the administration had demonstrated goodwill by settling inherited debts without industrial action.

“In the previous administration, nobody went on strike even though debts were owed. By the grace of God, we were able to pay off all these debts,” he said.

Wike reiterated that dialogue remains the cornerstone of governance, explaining that governments often address demands in phases due to limited resources.

“If you make five demands and government agrees to take three now and two later, sincerity requires understanding. No government can solve all problems at once,” he explained.

The minister emphasized the need for focus and continuity in governance.
“Problems will always come. What matters is focus, doing the best you can. When you leave office, another person will continue from where you stopped.”

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji