Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has moved to jail striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for allegedly disobeying a court order directing them to suspend their industrial action.
The National Industrial Court had, on January 27, ordered the workers to return to work pending the determination of a suit filed by the minister.
Okay News learnt that Wike’s legal team has obtained Form 48 — a formal notice warning of the consequences of disobeying a court order — which is a precursor to contempt proceedings.
The document, issued by the court registrar, warns that continued defiance of the order could lead to imprisonment for contempt of court.
The court held that once a labour dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, all strikes must be suspended in line with the Trade Disputes Act.
While the workers claim their action is justified by an appeal against the ruling, Wike’s lawyers insist that without a stay of execution, the court order remains binding and must be obeyed.
