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Order Restraining NLC, TUC From Embarking On Strike Subsists – Court
The National Industrial Court has upheld the order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from proceeding with their planned industrial action.
JomogNews Nigeria reports that Justice Olufunke Anuwe declared that the order, granted on June 5, will remain in effect until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
During the proceedings, the counsel representing the Federal Government, Mr. Ochum Emmanuel, informed the court that the claimant was scheduled to present their motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction against the defendants to prevent the strike. Emmanuel stated his readiness to proceed, as the defendants had been duly served.
However, Mr. Marshall Abubakar, the defendants’ counsel, responded by informing the court that they had filed an application to set aside the order granted on June 5, which restrained his clients from embarking on the strike. Abubakar further explained that the claimant had served them with a counter-affidavit in court on Monday, despite being served with their application on June 8.
When asked about proper service, Abubakar admitted uncertainty but promised to confirm and take appropriate action. He also requested a short adjournment to review the counter-affidavit and prepare a response.
Emmanuel objected to the adjournment application, arguing that the federal government had never filed a process while instructing the bailiff not to serve the other party. He claimed that the delay in filing the processes on June 16 may have led to the bailiff serving the defence counsel in court on Monday. Emmanuel also pointed out that the defendants had not filed their memorandum of appearance, making them improperly before the court and unable to seek an adjournment.
In response, Abubakar contended that Emmanuel’s application was unnecessary since the court had already ordered both parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive suit was heard. He also informed the court that the parties were meeting later on Monday to attempt a resolution.
The court granted the adjournment, directing the defendants to file their memorandum of appearance and ordering both parties to maintain the status quo.
This development follows the defendants’ plan to commence a nationwide strike on June 7 in protest of the removal of fuel subsidy, which led to an increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
In reaction, the federal government filed the suit to halt the strike, expressing concerns about its potential negative impact on society and the nation’s well-being.
The claimant argued that the strike could disrupt economic activities, particularly in the health and education sectors.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, through his legal representative, has formally submitted a corruption petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This was disclosed in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Dangote Group media team on Friday.
Recall that Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate Ahmed for allegedly spending $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. He withdrew the petition a few days ago, even as the ICPC vowed to continue with its investigation.
The statement on Friday said Dangote’s petition to the EFCC followed “The withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
In the petition, signed by Lead Counsel Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed, and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition further stated that Dangote would provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624) 337,” the petition read.
Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, “To investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly formally recommenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
This marks the second time within ten months that the state legislature has initiated such a move.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.
The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
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Supreme Court: President Has Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Remove Elected Officials
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state where circumstances threaten public safety or governance.
According to the ruling, this authority may be exercised to prevent a serious breakdown of law and order or to stop conditions from deteriorating into chaos or anarchy.
The court emphasized that such powers are intended to safeguard national stability and ensure the continued functioning of democratic institutions when extraordinary situations arise.
It noted that emergency measures are justified only in exceptional cases where normal governance mechanisms are unable to effectively address escalating crises.
More details later…
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