From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has intervened in the ongoing strike by primary School Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while pledging to find a swift resolution.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister, who expressed regret over the strike, pleaded with them to call off the strike and embrace dialogue.
According to him, the matter came when he met with the Area Council Chairmen and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, to discuss security issues. He immediately directed the Minister of State to engage with the teachers to understand their concerns.
The Minister, while acknowledging their demands on the implementation of the national minimum wage, assured them that the administration will work with the Area Councils to ensure compliance.
“It’s really unfortunate that they have gone on strike over this issue of minimum wage. But we will make sure that the teachers will go back. We will do everything we can to see that the Area Councils implement the minimum wage as approved by the National Assembly.
“However, it is good sometimes to go for dialogue and consultation. I urged you the teachers to also consider the impact that the strike will have on the FCT children.
“We are talking about the interest of Nigerians, not the interest of a few. Strike has never solved any problem; rather it has created more problems. So, I believe that within a short time, we will sort it out”, he said.