On Wednesday, the Federal Government took legal action against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) by filing a contempt proceeding.
The government alleges that both labor unions embarked on an industrial action in violation of a June 5, 2023, exparte order issued by the National Industrial Court (NIC).
The “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court” was submitted before the NIC in Abuja and specifically addressed to key officials of NLC and TUC, including NLC President Joe Ajaero, Deputy Presidents Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, and Kabiru Sani, as well as General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, and TUC President Engr Festus Usifo, and Scribe/Chief Executive Nuhu Toro.
The contempt notice, signed by Senior Registrar Balogun Olajide, warns of potential consequences for non-compliance with the court’s order.
It states, “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5, 2023, as per the attached enrolled order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to Prison.”
In addition to the notice, the Federal Government attached a copy of the exparte order made by Justice Anuwe on June 5, 2023.
“Having therefore considered the totality of this application, I make the following orders: The defendants/Respondents are hereby~ restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023,“ the order reads partly.
“It is ordered that the defendant/Respondents be immediately served with the originating processes in this suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of this court hereby made.
“The Motion on Notice is hereby fixed for hearing for June 19, 2023. The Hearing Notices to that effect shall be served on the defendants/Respondent along with the other processes.”
