The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has accused Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of lying, saying no agreement has been reached with the union.
The Secretary of JUAC – FCTA, Abdullahi Saleh in a statement issued Tuesday said the claims of payment of wage awards,rural allowance, 2023 promotion arrears and compliance with Public Service Rules are false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff.
He maintained that JUAC has not suspended, withdrawn or relaxed its position on the industrial action because none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or verified.
Saleh added that the statement credited to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) does not represent the collective position of workers under JUAC and cannot be used to justify the false narrative that issues have been resolved.
He noted: “The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby categorically rejects and dissociates itself from the misleading press release issued by the FCTA through the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Mr. Lere Olayinka, claiming that 10 out of the 14 demands of workers have been met.
“JUAC wishes to state clearly and unequivocally as follows: No formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and the FCTA management on any of the demands presented.
“The claims of payment of wage awards,rural allowance, 2023 promotion arrears and compliance with Public Service Rules are false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff.
“Matters relating to unpaid promotion arrears, NHF and pension remittances, illegal tenure elongation, flawed promotion examination process, intimidation of staff, lack of training and salary portal restrictions remain largely unattended to.”
Saleh stressed that the attempt by management to shift responsibility for statutory deductions to workers was unacceptable and contrary to established public service financial regulations.
He said the ongoing strike action remains lawful, justified and in full compliance with labour laws, having followed due process after expiration of the seven-day ultimatum.
JUAC therefore urged members of staff, public and media to disregard the FCTA press release as it does not reflect the true situation.
It said all staff should remain resolute, united and committed to the collective struggle until all demands are fully implemented.
The union warned the FCTA management to stop issuing propaganda and engage sincerely with workers to resolve the outstanding issues.
It insisted that JUAC remained open to genuine dialogue but will not succumb to misinformation, intimidation or divide-and-rule tactics.