The Federal Government is bringing a new dimension to bear in its bid to dissuade the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from embarking on a proposed nationwide strike slated to kick-off Tuesday.
In a new twist, B.E Jedy-Agba, permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Justice, says the NLC is restrained from embarking on any strike action concering the removal of petrol subsidy, by an order of the National Industrial Court (NIC).
The NLC, on Wednesday, served a seven-day notice on the Federal Government, asking it to reverse all “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies, failing which labour would call a nationwide strike.
Labour had kicked against government’s removal of petrol subsidy, which it said came without adequate buffers. Labour likewise frowned upon the recent increases in educational bills in universities and secondary schools, including those run by the Federal Government.
B.E Jedy-Agba, permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Justice, however said in a statement, that the National Inddustrial Court, had on June 5, granted an injunctive order restraining the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) “from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice”.
Jedy-Agba further urged the NLC to seek reliefs for their grievances through negotiations with government, instead of “resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court”.
“It is noted that the issues (removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in the cost of living, etc) which precipitated the above court action are the very same issues over which NLC has now issued another strike notice,” she said.
“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN. It is therefore our minimum expectation that the NLC will allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.
“We note with dismay that this latest strike notice 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.
“Aside from the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the federal and state governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price, she concluded.
