The Nigerian Federal Government has taken legal action by initiating a contempt hearing against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for allegedly disregarding a court directive that barred the unions from engaging in industrial actions.
On a recent Wednesday, a legal document referred to as “form 48” or the “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of the court” was officially presented to the national industrial court situated in Abuja.
In response to increased petrol prices and unanticipated hikes in public school fees, the NLC set a seven-day ultimatum for the federal government to revise any policies deemed detrimental to the well-being of the underprivileged or those lacking sensitivity. Nonetheless, the federal government contends that, based on a ruling from the national industrial court, the union is prohibited from initiating any industrial action or strike concerning the removal of fuel subsidies.
Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, asserted that the planned strike and protests cannot be categorized as peaceful actions, as they are designed to disrupt governmental operations and create apprehension among the public. In contrast, Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, defended the union, arguing that engaging in a strike does not equate to contempt of court and that peaceful demonstrations fall under the umbrella of fundamental rights.
Jedy-Agba further explained that the involved parties are legally required to uphold the existing state of affairs until the formal hearing and resolution of the lawsuit, as the central issue prompting the legal action is still a subject of dispute.
Following the submission of an ex-parte motion filed by the federal government, Judge Olufunke Anuwe issued an injunction that restrains the NLC and TUC from initiating any planned industrial action or strike until the formal hearing and decision of the motion on notice, which was presented by the federal government.