The national industrial court of Nigeria has fixed 21st of September to deliver judgement in the suit challenging the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
The adjournment was made after the parties argued the Interlocutory Application of the federal government seeking to order the striking lecturers back to work
At the sitting, the federal government counsel,
James Igwe reminded the court of the business of the day which was the hearing of the interlocutory injunction as a matter of urgency but counsel for ASUU, Femi Falana was of the view that issue of jurisdiction raised previously should first be dispensed with.
Justice Peter Hamman in his ruling agreed with the FG . Moving the application Igwe predicated it on eleven grounds he urged the court to grant the interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU and it’s agent from further going on strike pursuant to section 18 subsection one (E) of the trade dispute act which provides that no employer shall take part in any strike once the matter has been referred to national industrial court.
Falana in his argument pointed out that the minister is directing the court to issue an order as against section 6 of the constitution and the prayer sought is also issue for determination .
Pointing out that the minister has not complied with the Trade Dispute Act by going through the industrial arbitration panel, IAP hence the referral was directed to court.
He therefore urged the court to dismissed the application as there is nothing urgent about it after 7 months of strike.
Justice Peter Hamman adjourned till 21st of September for ruling in the application seeking
for order directing the striking lecturers back to work .
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
