Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three others from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest.
Ruling on an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA), Justice Subilim granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents, their agents, and privies from embarking on a strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The court also ordered the 5th to 9th defendants, who are security agencies, to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.
In the ex parte motion filed by counsel to Wike and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, it was submitted that the Chairman of the FCT Council had circulated a mobilisation message to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3.
Counsel argued that the planned protest was in violation of an existing court order.
He further stated that following the court’s ruling on January 27, the order was served on the defendants on the same day. However, the NLC and TUC allegedly issued a statement to all affiliated unions directing them to intensify and sustain the strike.
The joint statement, signed by both unions, reportedly directed striking workers to resume the strike, noting that their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.
He added that the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) also issued a circular directing all employees to continue the strike.
According to the applicants, these actions were aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to February 10 for hearing.
