The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates were ordered by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to halt their planned nationwide strike set to take place on November 14. The court issued an interim injunction on Friday in response to an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. The injunction will remain in effect until the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions is filed by the AGF.
The order was issued by Justice Benedict Kanyip, the president of the court, who said that the court has the power to grant such ex-parte order under Section 7(1) and 19(a) of the NICN Establishment Act where a strike is threatened but not yet commenced, as in this case.
The nationwide strike was declared by the NLC and TUC leadership after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, following the brutalization of NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, last week in Imo State. The organized labor unions have since commenced mobilisation of members and allies across the country.
Organised labour had given the Federal Government a five-day ultimatum to replace former Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mohammed Barde, who they accused of complicity in the attack on Ajaero. They also demanded the arrest and prosecution of some of the governor’s aides and threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not fulfilled.
Court Stops NLC, TUC Nationwide Strike
