ABUJA: There was drama in Abuja on Monday as protesting workers chased the convoy of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, after he reportedly exited the FCT Administration Secretariat through a back gate amid an ongoing strike.
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), picketed the FCTA Secretariat and the National Industrial Court as part of a total and indefinite strike over unresolved labour issues.
The protesters, who accused the FCTA leadership of persistent violations of workers’ rights, confronted armed anti-riot police officers stationed at the main gate of the minister’s office, demanding Wike’s removal.
Tension escalated when the workers learned that the minister had allegedly slipped out of the premises through a rear gate. Enraged protesters pursued his convoy in an attempt to intercept it, chanting Ole! Ole!! Ole!!! as they moved through the area.
The industrial action followed a directive by the NLC, which declared full backing for the strike, describing it as justified in view of what it called repeated disregard for workers’ welfare by the management and political leadership of the FCTA.
The protest forms part of a broader labour dispute that has disrupted activities across key FCTA offices, with union leaders insisting the strike will continue until their demands are met.
