AGF warns NLC, TUC against disregarding court order amidst planned strike
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has cautioned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other labour unions in the country against proceeding with the planned nationwide industrial action, despite calls for it.
Daily Post reports that on June 5, the National Industrial Court restrained NLC and TUC from any industrial action over the removal of fuel subsidy.
In a letter dated September 26 and addressed to the NLC, TUC, and Femi Falana (SAN), the Minister emphasized that any move by both unions to embark on an indefinite strike from October 3 would violate the interim injunctive order granted.
The Minister implored Falana to counsel the unions to respect the court order and allow further negotiations to take place between them and the Federal Government intending on finding a compromise to their demands.
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Fagbemi said: “These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.
“Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 restraining both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice.
“We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.
“It is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.
“It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.
“Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress upon the organized labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike action is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.
“Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the strike action.
“The foregoing will afford parties more room for further mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest.”
