Federal Government, yesterday, faulted notice of strike action by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), describing it as illegal and in contempt of court.

NLC, through National President, Joe Ajaero, and Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, had called on Nigerian workers to prepare for a nationwide protest on August 2, to protest hike in price of fuel.

But the Federal Ministry of Justice, through Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Mrs. B.E. Jedy-Agba, said in a statement that the seven-day notice for the industrial action is in clear disregard of the court.

The statement reads: “It is pertinent to alert members of the NLC and the general public to the pendency of suit number: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor. v. Nigerian Labour Congress & Anor. before the National Industrial Court, wherein His Lordship, Anuwe, J., on June 5, 2023 granted an injunctive order, restraining Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, which is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo, pending determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court. The said Motion on Notice is still pending.

“It is noted that the issues (removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in cost of living, etc), which precipitated the above court action, are the very same issues over which NLC has now issued another strike notice.”

The statement adds: “The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana. It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts perform their constitutional roles, rather than resorting to self-help and undermining orders of the court.

“We note with dismay that this latest strike notice is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times, following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC president against the court. Indeed, the avowed penchant of the leadership of the union for casting aspersions on the judiciary is quite worrisome and concerning.”