NECA slams NLRC for contempt of court, breach of law

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has expressed shock and utter dismay at the gruff actions and uncivil behaviour of Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Lanre Gbajabiamila, in shutting down the offices and business premises of Nigeria Breweries Plc across the nation.

The association expressed shock that the new helmsman at the NLRC, would go all out to act in breach of the rule of law and utter contempt of the court by shutting down these offices and business premises in a case that is still before the Court of Appeal.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday, the Director General, NECA, Olusegun Oshinowo, called on the Presidency, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, to call Gbajabiamila to order as his actions are not only illegal, unlawful and ultra vires, but are counterproductive to the laudable efforts of the Federal Government in improving the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in Nigeria.

He said this is to avoid further damage to business and the fragile economy at large, noting that Gbajabiamila’s action had failed to respect the on-going case CA/A/207/2016, NECA & 1 or vs. AG Federation & 3 ors, which is connected to the issue that allegedly prompted the closure of the Nigeria Brewery Plc.

The Court had earlier directed parties in the case to maintain status quo ante since 2016.

Oshinowo noted that since 2016 when the case was filed in court, the past leadership of the Commission had exercised restraint and due respect for the law of the land.

According to him, it is unthinkable that a public servant would rashly shut down business premises of a multi-billion dollar investment without considering the dire implications on the economy.

He decried the resort to jungle behaviour by the NLRC boss in a civilized society where the mantra of the current government is respect for the rule of law.

Oshinowo urged Gbajabiamila, as a responsible and decent leader to await the pronouncement of the court on the case in question.