The current industrial action embarked upon by FCTA Workers in Abuja on Monday became very rancorous when a group of aggrieved workers reportedly chased the motorcade of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over unresolved welfare and salary concerns.
Reports say the incident occurred as the workers, who had been on strike, gathered to press their demands and became visibly agitated as Wike’s convoy passed through the area.
The protesters were seen in the video chanting ‘ole’ (which means thief) and moving toward the minister’s vehicles, calling for urgent attention to their grievances.
The demonstration took place amid a broader protest by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), picketed the National Industrial Court in Abuja as part of a total and indefinite strike over longstanding labour disputes.
At the court premises, workers carried placards with bold inscriptions demanding the removal of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as frustration over unresolved welfare issues boiled over
The aggrieved workers had been protesting several unresolved issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, poor working conditions and lack of essential working tools.
According to them, repeated engagements with FCTA authorities had failed to yield meaningful outcomes, leaving them no option but to embark on an indefinite strike.
Labour leaders see their action i as a last resort after months of unfruitful negotiation with the FCTA.
