The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been accused of mobilising paid supporters to stage a solidarity rally for his administration amid the ongoing strike by unions under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in Abuja.
According to reports, a group of pro-administration demonstrators gathered on Wednesday near Monoliza along Umaru Diko Way, off Ahmadu Bello Way in the FCT, while the workers’ strike over welfare and labour disputes remained in effect.
Sources familiar with the situation claimed the rally was organised to offset rising public support for the striking workers, alleging that participants were transported from different parts of the city in several vehicles.
Video footage circulating online shows individuals assembled at the location holding placards endorsing Wike and the FCT administration. The clips also show vehicles arriving and dropping off participants, with some attendees appearing uncertain about the messages displayed on their signs.
The Joint Action Committee has accused FCT authorities of failing to implement prior agreements and neglecting staff welfare, issues it says triggered the ongoing industrial action that has disrupted operations across several government offices and public services in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has insisted that the strike will continue indefinitely. The union said the action will remain in place until authorities address its core demands.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, JUAC confirmed it has filed an appeal against a recent National Industrial Court ruling and maintained that the appeal allows the strike to continue legally.
“Industrial action remains in force,” the statement said, calling on members to stay united and committed despite pressure from officials.
The union accused the FCT leadership of attempting to pressure workers instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue to resolve outstanding grievances. It thanked members for complying with the stay-at-home directive and praised their solidarity.
JUAC further alleged that some union leaders and workers have faced intimidation and harassment aimed at forcing a return to work, but declared that such measures would not succeed.
Reaffirming its position, the union directed all FCTA and FCDA employees to remain off duty until further notice, stating that responsibility for resolving the dispute lies with the authorities through sincere engagement with workers’ demands.
