Abuja Lockdown: Wike’s Tough Stance vs. Workers’ Strike

Today, we are taking a trip to the seat of power, the land of smooth roads and expensive rent—Abuja! But things aren't so smooth for the "Emperor of the FCT," Chief Nyesom Wike. The man who usually shakes tables in Rivers State is currently trying to keep his own table from breaking in the Federal Capital Territory. The FCT workers decided to "down tools" and play a game of "Hide and Seek" with the government, and Wike has responded in the most "Wike" way possible. He says he is open to dialogue, but if you think you can "blackmail" him? Forget it!

Grab your Zobo, get comfortable, and let’s dive into this FCT Workers’ Strike Saga!

THE GIST: THE STRIKE THAT "GROUNDED" THE CAPITAL
So, here is the "tea" for those who missed it. On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC)—which is basically the "Avengers" of FCT workers—decided they’d had enough. They declared an indefinite strike and locked up the FCTA Secretariat like it was a container of contraband.

What are they asking for? It’s a long list, like a child’s Christmas wish list, but with more "arrears":

The "Wage Award" Drama: They say five months of wage awards haven't been paid.

The "Promotion" Wahala: They are complaining about unpaid promotion arrears and a "mass failure" in the 2024 promotion exams. Imagine a whole ministry failing exams! Did they use a different marking scheme or was the "CBT" center showing them "Error 404"?

The "Ghost" Pension: They claim their pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions haven't been remitted since May 2025.

Basically, the workers are saying: "We are working, but our pockets are fasting." In response, the FCT was "on pause." Schools closed, water agencies stopped pumping, and even the people who pack the trash decided to "sit at home." Abuja was starting to look like a ghost town with very expensive buildings.

WIKE’S COUNTER-ATTACK: "I AM NOT THE ONE!"
Now, you know Nyesom Wike. This is not a man who sees a fight and runs away; he is the man who brings the "DJ" to the battlefield!

Wike didn't wait for the strike to "age" like fine wine. He immediately took the matter to the National Industrial Court. And on Tuesday, January 27, he got what he wanted: a court order telling the workers to "Resume work immediately!"

But it was Wike’s speech after the court ruling that really broke the internet. He looked at the journalists and said:

"We are open to reasonable dialogue, but blackmail won't move us. If you think you can hire civil servants to intimidate me, you are joking. Seeing me in person is not a right!"

Omo! "Seeing me in person is not a right." That line is cold! Wike is basically telling the union leaders: "I am the Minister, not your Facebook friend. Talk to the management, leave me out of your WhatsApp group!"

He even approved N12 billion for January salaries to show he has "goodwill," but he added a "ginger" to it. He warned that anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a "scapegoat." He said the law must be obeyed, and if you stay at home now, you are technically a "voluntary retiree."