The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an Interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and three union leaders from embarking on any form of strike or protest across the country.
Justice Emmanuel Sibilim made the order while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.
The affected Union leaders include Benson Upah, General NA Toro, and Stephen Knabayi, in the application, filed by James Onoja, SAN.
The court also directed security agencies listed as the 5th to 9th defendants to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.
The claimants told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council had sent a mobilisation message to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, allegedly in defiance of an earlier court order.
They further argued that after the court ruling of January 27, which was served on the unions the same day, the NLC and TUC issued a statement to all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike, despite filing an appeal through their counsel, Femi Falana.
Following that directive, the Joint Unions Action Committee, JUAC, reportedly issued a circular instructing workers to continue the strike — a move the claimants said could cause a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital.
The court has however adjourned the matter to February 10 for hearing of the motion on notice.
The claimants in the suit said the application followed the industrial action that began on January 19, when workers under JUAC allegedly locked all offices, shut schools, and halted activities at the FCT Administration Secretariat.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
