FG to Labour: Don’t resort to self-help with strike, obey court order

The attorney-general of the federation (AGF) has asked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to obey the court order restraining them from embarking on a strike action.

The unions announced that the strike would commence by midnight on Tuesday.

The planned nationwide strike is a protest against the alleged brutality of Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, in Imo state.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Kamarudeen Ogundele, AGF’s spokesperson, said going ahead with the strike action would amount to contempt of court.

“We wish to remind the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress that there is a subsisting court order stopping the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike,” the statement reads.

“The interim order was granted on November 10 by the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice B. B. Kanyip.

“The unions have been served the court order and, therefore, must surrender themselves to the authority of the court which is already seized with the facts of the case.

“Any action taken contrary to the order will be tantamount to contempt of court.

“We use this medium to urge the unions to respect the court order and adhere to the principle of the rule of law. There is no need to resort to self-help.

“We urge workers to report for duties and not to entertain any fear as their safety is guaranteed and will be protected within the ambit of law.”