Labour Strike Illegal, Disregard Of Court Order – FG

The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to obey the court order restraining them from embarking on the nationwide industrial action which began midnight (today).

The strike is a protest against the alleged brutality of Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, during a protest in Owerri, Imo state.

In a statement, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said going ahead with the strike action would amount to contempt of court.

Fagbemi who spoke through his spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele said: “We wish to remind the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress that there is a subsisting court order stopping the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike,” the statement reads.

“The interim order was granted on November 10 by the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice B. B. Kanyip.

“The unions have been served the court order and, therefore, must surrender themselves to the authority of the court which is already seized with the facts of the case.

“Any action taken contrary to the order will be tantamount to contempt of court.

“We use this medium to urge the unions to respect the court order and adhere to the principle of the rule of law. There is no need to resort to self-help.

“We urge workers to report for duties and not to entertain any fear as their safety is guaranteed and will be protected within the ambit of law.”