NLC, TUC Debunks Receiving FG’s Court Order
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have debunked receiving a court order from the Federal Government or any of its parties not to proceed with the strike which commenced yesterday.
TUC President Festus Osifo stated this on Wednesday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program. Speaking on the strike which has entered the second day, Osifo blasted the government for “perpetually violating” court orders while expecting other institutions to obey the judiciary.
Osifo berated the government for constantly going to court to obtain restraining orders to prevent labour action, rather than interacting with the unions and resolving their complaints. In his view, the government’s acquisition of court orders does not constitute good labour relations
Osifo recalled that Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was detained by the secret police and held for approximately five months before being released. During this time, court orders directing his release were disregarded by the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Yes, we don’t have a service on the court order but we have a government today who perpetually does not obey court orders. When DSS was holding Emefiele, how many court orders were passed for Emefiele to be released? Countless number of them.”
According to the labour leader, the unions will consult with their legal representatives and decide after they obtain a court injunction regarding the current strike.
“We have a state that refuses to obey court orders. You now expect others to obey court orders but once we see it, we are responsible institutions, we will not say because the Federal Government continuously violate court institution, we will examine it and if it is the right thing for us to do, yes, we will.”
Empire had reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) statewide strike was criticized by the Presidency on Tuesday as “unwarranted,” claiming it is an attempt to blackmail the government.
Bayo Onanuga lamented that despite the restriction order given by the National Industrial Court, the union still proceeded on the strike.
The strike which began yesterday crippled so many activities in states where it was observed. Workers in several states shut down activities at several government-owned facilities, Public schools, state High Courts, and State Houses of Assembly. Meanwhile, some banks also closed their doors to customers.
Nonetheless, in certain states, some workers continued with their regular business, and partial compliance followed the industrial action.
