Tension gripped Abuja on Monday, January 26, as aggrieved workers staged a protest over unresolved welfare and salary issues, allegedly chasing the motorcade of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Videos circulating on social media showed the protesters pursuing a vehicle reportedly conveying the minister, while chanting and calling attention to their demands.
Earlier in the day, the striking workers, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), picketed the National Industrial Court in Abuja as part of an ongoing indefinite strike. The protesters are demanding the removal of Minister Wike and the payment of outstanding entitlements.
Demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Wike must go!!”, “Abuja no be Rivers”, “Pay promotion arrears”, “Enough is Enough” and “No working tools,” as they gathered at the court premises, according to eyewitnesses and images from the scene.
The strike was triggered by unresolved welfare concerns, including five months of unpaid salaries, long-standing promotion arrears, and poor working conditions.
In response, Minister Wike has taken the striking unions to the National Industrial Court, seeking an order to compel them to suspend the strike action.
