Wike seeks order to jail striking workers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has applied to the National Industrial Court for an order to commit striking workers of the territory to prison over their alleged disobedience of a court directive.

The minister, through his counsel, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, obtained form 48 for consequences of disobedience of court order, which would be served on the striking workers.

“Take note that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered 27th day of January 2026, you will be guilty of the contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.” part of the form read.

The notice of consequence of disobedience of order of the court, dated January 29, was signed by the Registrar of the Industrial Court, Mr Olajide Balogun.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim had on Tuesday ordered the workers to call off the strike immediately until the determination of the claims to prevent the crippling of government business in the territory if the strike was prolonged while the court was seized of the matter.

Justice Subilim held that, although strike was a right of workers to express their grievance, its adoption is not absolute.

‎Citing Section 18(1)b of the Trade Dispute Act, the judge said workers cannot embark on an industrial action over a dispute that had already been referred to the National Industrial Court.

In the originating summons, the minister contended that the strike was not in compliance with the Trade Disputes Act, adding that the Joint Unions Action Committee is not a registered trade union.

The case has been adjourned to March 25 for hearing.

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