The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC has been urged not to embark on its 2nd August planned nationwide strike as doing so would be disobeying court orders.
The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice Beatrice Jedy-Agba in a press statement reminded the leadership of NLC and Nigerians of the pendency of suit before the National Industrial Court where in an injunctive order was granted restraining NLC and Trade Union Congress from embarking on the planned industrial action.
It also restrained the two bodies from organizing “strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice, which is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court. The said Motion on Notice is still pendin,” Jedy-Agba said.
She urged NLC to “allow good reason to prevail by adhering to the time-tested principles of lis pendis and rule of law to avert adverse consequences.”
She said, the ministry of Justice note with dismay the latest strike notice by NLC adding that, “is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC President against the court.”
The Solicitor General explained that, both the Federal and State Governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.
“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action,” she added.
Confidence Okwuchi
