Why NLC cannot embark on strike now – FG
The federal government has stated its ‘dismay’ at the strike notice issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
B.E Jedy-Agba, the permanent secretary at the ministry of justice, on Wednesday, reminded the NLC of the order issued by the National Industrial Court, preventing it from going on strike over petrol subsidy removal.
As she said, Labour flouting the court order is a “self-help”, since the matter is pending.
She said, “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,” the statement reads.
“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.
“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.”
TheCornet reports that Justice O.Y Anuwe had, on June 5, issued the order, based on an ex parte application moved by government’s counsel.
In her ruling, Justice Anuwe, said: “Counsel has pointed out that students of secondary schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams nationwide, will be affected; the tertiary institutions who have only just resumed after a long ASUU strike will also be affected, not leaving the health sector, amongst other sectors; and above all, the economy of the nation.
“In my view, this is a situation of extreme urgency that will require the intervention of this court,” Justice Anuwe held.
At the same time, Joe Ajaero and Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC president and secretary general respectively, have accused the government of treating Nigerians with ‘disdain’ and declared ‘a war of attrition against the citizen’.
This is contained in a communiqué the NLC issued at the end of the emergency meeting of its central working committee on the strike issue.
