The ongoing industrial action by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has taken a dramatic turn, with fresh allegations that Minister Nyesom Wike orchestrated a counter-protest involving hired participants, including purported religious leaders, to undermine the striking workers’ cause.
The controversy erupted following videos circulated by media outlets showing groups of people gathered along Abuja streets, with claims that participants arrived in buses and were allegedly paid to demonstrate support for the minister amid the strike.
The footage reportedly depicts crowds, including individuals dressed as pastors and imams, chanting in favor of Wike’s administration.
Critics described the scene as a staged show of support, accusing the minister of deploying “fake pastors and imams” alongside paid protesters to dilute public sympathy for the genuine labour grievances.
The strike, which began on January 19 under the banner of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) and backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has paralysed operations across FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, and area councils.
Workers are demanding implementation of the new minimum wage, payment of long-standing promotion arrears, salary backlogs spanning several months, and improved welfare conditions.
Tensions peaked earlier when protesters chased Wike’s motorcade from his office, with some shouting accusations of theft, while viral clips showed him using an alternative exit—later explained by his aide as a precautionary measure rather than flight.
In response to mounting pressure, Wike secured an interlocutory injunction from the National Industrial Court on January 27, ordering the immediate suspension of the strike pending further hearings.
The minister approved over ₦12 billion for January salaries and insisted that most of the workers’ 14 demands had been addressed, including ₦286.1 million already cleared for promotion arrears.
He repeatedly accused politicians and certain disgruntled FCTA directors of hijacking the protest for ulterior motives, rejecting claims of blackmail or intimidation.
Wike warned that any worker defying the court order would face “the big stick” and disciplinary measures, describing the action as politically motivated rather than purely labour-driven.
His media aide, Lere Olayinka, maintained that no salaries were owed beyond routine processing, and dialogue had been attempted through senior officials.
However, the counter-protest allegations have intensified scrutiny.
Sources cited in reports suggested the gathering was not spontaneous but coordinated to counter the growing narrative of worker hardship and ministerial insensitivity.
Public reactions on social media have been largely critical, with many Nigerians decrying the use of paid crowds as evidence of desperation and manipulation in handling legitimate labour disputes.
Some described it as a “new low” in governance, questioning why resources would fund counter-demonstrations instead of resolving the core issues.
Despite the court ruling, reports indicate mixed compliance: while some workers reportedly resumed duties, JUAC directed continuation of the action pending an appeal, keeping services disrupted in parts of the FCT.
The NLC has condemned the injunction as undermining workers’ rights.
As the dispute drags into its second week, the episode highlights deepening friction between the FCT leadership and its workforce, raising broader questions about labour relations, political interference, and accountability in Nigeria’s capital city administration.
Observers warn that without genuine dialogue, the standoff risks further paralysing essential services in Abuja.
