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.
