The Federal Government has appealed to organized labor to suspend its planned strike scheduled to begin today, Tuesday. This plea comes in light of a restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday, as a response to an ex-parte application filed by the Federal Government.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had announced the strike to protest the alleged assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by suspected thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on November 1.
Justice Benedict Kanyip of the National Industrial Court issued the restraining order, preventing the labor centers and their affiliates from embarking on any form of strike. The court order was communicated through an ex-parte application brought before the court by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
The Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, emphasized that any action taken in violation of the court order would amount to contempt, urging the labor unions to respect the rule of law and the court.
Despite the court order, TUC President Festus Osifo confirmed the commencement of the strike in protest against the assault on Ajaero. He outlined conditions for calling off the strike, including the arrest and prosecution of those who assaulted Ajaero.
In response, the Federal Government warned that any action taken in defiance of the court order would be considered contempt of court. The government emphasized the need for labor unions to allow the court to adjudicate on the matter and advised against resorting to self-help.
The incident prompting the strike involved the alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero during a protest in Owerri, where he and other labor leaders were reportedly attacked by thugs. The strike is set to commence at midnight today, affecting various sectors across the country.
While the labor unions remain firm in their decision, the Federal Government insists on the importance of respecting the court order and engaging in a lawful resolution of grievances. The potential economic impact of the strike looms large, with concerns about its effects on businesses and daily activities nationwide.