STRIKE: Government Threatens Contempt Charge as Labour Defies Court Order

In a stern warning on Monday, the Federal Government urged organized labor to reconsider its planned strike set to commence on Tuesday, reminding the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of a restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court, Abuja, last Friday.The restraining order, issued by President of the NIC, Justice Benedict Kanyip, prohibited the labor centers and their affiliates from initiating any form of strike. This legal action came after an ex-parte application by the Federal Government presented through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.The government’s Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, emphasized that any defiance of the court order by the unions would be treated as contempt of court. He urged the unions to respect the rule of law and allow the court to adjudicate on the matter.Despite the government’s warning, TUC President Festus Osifo, during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, reiterated the labor action’s commencement on Tuesday. The planned strike is in protest against the alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero by suspected thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on November 1.Osifo explained that all affiliates of NLC and TUC had been mobilized for the strike, potentially paralyzing economic activities nationwide. The strike’s necessity, according to Osifo, stems from the brutalization of Ajaero, and the unions have set conditions, including the arrest and prosecution of the assailants, for calling off the strike.In response to the planned strike, the Federal Government has threatened contempt charges, emphasizing the importance of obeying court orders. The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association also urged dissatisfied labor members to address their concerns through appropriate channels rather than defying the court order.Meanwhile, the organized labor, through a joint letter from the NLC and TUC, directed affiliate unions to comply with the strike directive, affecting various sectors. Affiliates, including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, expressed readiness to join the nationwide strike.As the strike looms, law enforcement agencies across different states have assured the public of their preparedness to maintain peace and order during the labor action. The Federal Government, on the other hand, accused organized labor of pursuing an agenda detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians, pointing to previous agreements that addressed workers’ demands.The government emphasized that the strike, set to defy a court order, appeared driven by motives beyond workers’ interests and may exacerbate the hardship faced by the citizens. The Presidency questioned the legitimacy of the strike, highlighting the existing court order prohibiting such actions.Despite the warnings and legal implications, the organized labor remains resolute, ready to proceed with the nationwide strike as a means of pressing their demands and drawing attention to the alleged assault on their president.