Protesters Chant ‘Ole’, Chase Wike’s Convoy At FCTA Secretariat In Abuja

Tension gripped the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday as aggrieved workers, under the banner of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), attempted to block and chase the convoy of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The dramatic incident unfolded as the minister reportedly exited the secretariat through a rear gate amid the ongoing indefinite industrial action by FCTA workers. Eyewitness accounts and circulating videos show protesting staff surging towards the minister’s motorcade, chanting “Ole! Ole! Ole!” – a Yoruba term meaning “thief” often used in Nigerian protests to accuse public officials of corruption or mismanagement.

Security operatives attached to the minister quickly intervened, clearing the path and enabling the convoy to escape without further escalation. Sources close to the scene described the atmosphere as charged, with workers expressing deep frustration over what they perceive as neglect of their welfare under the current FCTA leadership.

The protest forms part of a larger industrial dispute that began earlier in January 2026, when FCTA workers and those under the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) embarked on an indefinite strike. Key grievances include unpaid promotion arrears, outstanding allowances, poor working conditions, and alleged mismanagement of resources by the administration.

The strike has paralyzed operations at the FCTA Secretariat, leading to barricades at entrances, accumulation of refuse in parts of the city, and disruptions to essential services. In a related development, Minister Wike approached the National Industrial Court to challenge the legality of the strike, seeking an order to compel the workers to resume duties. The court has fixed hearings and rulings on related motions, including one to halt the industrial action, amid picketing by the workers and support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Union leaders have maintained that their actions remain peaceful and aimed solely at pressing home legitimate demands. They have accused the FCTA management of persistent violations of workers’ rights and failure to engage meaningfully in dialogue. Placards during related protests, including at the Industrial Court, have openly called for “Wike Must Go,” reflecting widespread discontent.

As of the time of this report, neither the FCT Minister nor the FCTA management has issued an official statement on Thursday’s convoy incident. Efforts to reach spokespersons for comments proved unsuccessful.

The development has heightened calls for urgent intervention from higher authorities to resolve the lingering crisis, which threatens to further disrupt governance and service delivery in the nation’s capital.