7th June, 2023
By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed disgust and disapproval at what it described as weaponisation of the instrument of exparte injunction against it in favour of government.
The NLC said this in reaction to ruling by the National Industrial Court stopping it from calling out workers for strike in protest against the removal of fuel subsidy.
NLC had on June 3 indicated its intention to call out workers for a nationwide strike beginning from Wednesday, June 7 in protest against the removal of subsidy and subsequent hike in fuel price.
However, the federal government had procured an injunction from the NIC restraining NLC from proceeding with the proposed nationwide strike.
Subsequently, the NLC had called off the strike after meeting with a federal government’s team on Monday.
However, in a communique issued at the end of an emergency of its National Executive Council (NEC) on Tuesday in Abuja, the NLC accused the NIC of favouring the Federal Government against the interest of the masses and workers in the country.
Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President and Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress jointly signed the communique.
It said that the NEC meeting was called to discuss the outcome of the dialogue between the NLC and the Federal Government on the petroleum product price hike.
The NLC said NEC in session resolved that there was need to show government that it was important to comply with laid down laws and court rulings.
“Especially as it concerns obedience to the rulings of the Courts and their brazen disregard to the 2023 Appropriation Act.
“To therefore support and accept the decision of the leadership of Congress to suspend the proposed strike action in compliance with the flawed rulings of the NIC.
“Also to allow negotiations to flow freely and enable final agreement during or after the 19th June, 2023, negotiation round with the federal government.
“To however register in strongest terms its disgust and disapproval with the ruling of the NIC for its continuous weaponisation of the instrument of Exparte injunction in favour of government.
“That is against the interests of Nigerian workers in defiance of the position of the Supreme Court on the use of this instrument,” it said.
Congress further stated that all Affiliates and State Councils of Congress are hereby directed to suspend further action and mobilisation until the outcome of the final negotiations.
The communiqué commended all Affiliates and State Councils on their robust mobilisation towards a successful nationwide strike and to also remain vigilant in case there is a need to continue.
(NAN)