Strike: Respect court order, FG tells labour unions

Strike: Respect court order, FG tells labour unions

The Federal Government has called on the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to respect court order and shelve the proposed strike.

The unions had after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Abuja declared a total nationwide strike from November 14, 2023.

The unions based its decision on the assault on the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.

However, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Minister of Justice filed an ex-parte application praying the court to stop the unions from embarking on the planned strike.

In his ruling, the President of the Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, cited Sections 17 and 19 of the National Industrial Court Act and ordered the unions to stop their nationwide strike.

But the labour leaders on Monday insisted on going on strike despite the court order.

In a statement on Monday night,
the Special Assistant Communication and Publicity to the AGF and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, told the union leaders that any action contrary to the court order would lead to contempt of court.

The statement read, “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 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. “

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