The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC has threatens to mobilise for another nationwide industrial action following a legal suit filed by the Federal Government in court charging the labour for contempt, unless the charges is dropped. The NLC president, Joe Ajaero , made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja shortly after the national Executive Council meeting yesterday demanding that the FG withdraw charges on or before August 11, 2023 of face labour wrath.
Federal Government had on Wednesday approached an Industrial court where it filed a lawsuit charging the NLC and the TUC for protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy.
Although, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba had twice stated that the industrial action by organised labour was illegal, arguing that there was a subsisting interim order restraining NLC from embarking on any industrial action.
In a suit marked NICN/ABJ/158/2023, the federal government and the Attorney-General of the Federation are the plaintiff, while the NLC and TUC are the defendants.
Joined in the suit are the NLC president, Aaero; NLC deputy presidents Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, and Kabiru Sani; general secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; TUC President, Festus Usifo; and scribe/ chief executive, Nuhu Toro.
Speaking to the journalist, Ajaero said, “Consequently, NEC-in-Session resolved as follows: To support and affirm the decision to suspend further protest on the nationwide Mass Protest.
He added, “To commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general. To commit to the terminal date of August 19th 2023 within which the issues around the Petroleum price hike will be agreed given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly.
“To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to court by the government through the NICN.
The labour therefore demands the immediate withdrawal of the litigation on terrorism by the government and the ministry of justice before the end of Friday, August 11, 2023, or the labour will go ahead with what is is known for.
Failure to comply by their demand to withdraw the lawsuit, Ajaero said, NLC will be left with no option but to proceed on a nationwide strike commencing on Monday 14th August, 2023.
