Wike Summons Council Chairmen, Teachers Over Strike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has called an emergency meeting with area council chairmen and leaders of the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to address the ongoing strike by primary school teachers.

This comes after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shut down Wike’s office in protest on Thursday, accusing the federal government of failing to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for council workers, teachers, and health staff.

Hundreds of workers marched from Labour House to the minister’s office in Area 11, demanding immediate action.

ALSO READ: NLC Sets December 1 Deadline for Unpaid Minimum Wage

Speaking after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike described the situation as “very unfortunate” and blamed area council chairmen for not paying teachers despite receiving funds.

“You see, that’s the problem we have in this country; by the time I apply the big stick, people will be saying all kinds of things.

“I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children, and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries,” he quizzed.

He noted that primary schools are managed by area councils, not the FCT Administration, and urged the NUT to be patient while efforts are made to resolve the issue.