NEWS
“We’ll Make You a Scapegoat” — FCT Minister, Nysome Wike Issues Ultatum to FCT Workers as Court Orders Suspension of Strike, Warns of Sanctions, Big Stick Enforcement and Zero Tolerance for Disobedience
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to workers in the nation’s capital to immediately comply with a court order directing the suspension of their ongoing strike, stressing that any refusal to resume work would attract firm sanctions from the FCT Administration.
Wike’s warning followed the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which ordered workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend their industrial action. The minister made his position known in a video shared on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, on X.
Responding to questions on the implications of the court’s decision, Wike made it clear that obedience to the rule of law was not optional and that the government would not tolerate any form of defiance.
“That’s right, if you disobey the law, there’re no consequences for disobeying the law. We must allow people to obey the law frankly,” Wike said.
He explained that the ruling of the court was explicit and binding, noting that workers were expected to comply without delay or excuses.
According to him, the FCT Administration would not permit any further disruption of official duties, public services, or government operations within the territory.
The minister further stated that the government remained open to lawful engagement and dialogue, emphasizing that workers still had an avenue to present their concerns through proper channels.
“I’m giving them the window, you can see me in office today,” he said.
However, Wike warned that the tone of engagement would change drastically if workers failed to return to their duty posts by the following day.
“From tomorrow, if you don’t come to work then we’re going to apply the big stick,” he said.
Beyond absenteeism, the minister also cautioned against any attempt to obstruct access to government facilities or disrupt normal operations, particularly through the blocking of entrances and gates.
“And from tomorrow, if you see anybody who says, oh, he wants to block the gate, we’ll make you a scapegoat,” Wike said.
He stressed that the enforcement of the court order would be carried out strictly in line with the law, insisting that no individual or group was above legal authority.
“The law must take its place,” he added.
The development signals a hardening stance by the FCT Administration as it moves to restore normalcy in public service operations and enforce compliance with judicial directives, while maintaining that grievances must be pursued through lawful 
and constitutional means.