Court To Rule On Wike’s Suit On Workers

Court Set To Rule On Wike’s Suit On Workers

The legal showdown unfolded in Abuja on Tuesday as the National Industrial Court prepared to rule on a suit filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Federal Capital Territory Administration against leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee over the ongoing workers’ strike that has stalled government activity in the capital.

The case stems from an industrial action that began last week after labour unions rejected the FCTA’s response to their demands.

Since then, offices across Abuja have remained shut, public services disrupted, and access to the FCTA Secretariat restricted by security operatives as workers stayed away from duty.

The minister and the FCTA approached the court seeking an order to stop the strike, arguing that the action was unlawful and damaging to governance.

They asked the court to restrain JUAC leaders and their affiliates from continuing the shutdown while the main case is being heard.

Workers’ representatives opposed the move, warning that forcing employees back to work without settling unpaid entitlements and welfare issues could worsen tensions.

They urged the court to reject the request and instead push both sides towards dialogue and mediation, insisting that the dispute should be resolved outside the courtroom.

After hearing arguments from both parties on Monday, the presiding judge adjourned the matter for a ruling.

The decision is expected to shape the next steps in the standoff, as unions insist key grievances remain unresolved while the FCTA maintains that it is open to talks and had already begun mediation efforts before the strike began.