Protest: FG files contempt suit against NLC, TUC

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Federal Government took legal action against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their participation in an industrial strike. The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, had previously stated that the strike was illegal, citing an existing interim order restraining the NLC from engaging in any industrial action.

Despite this warning, the organized labour proceeded with their protest across the country on the specified day. Consequently, the Federal Government, along with the Attorney General of the Federation, filed a contempt lawsuit against the NLC and TUC.

The lawsuit, identified as NICN/ABJ/158/2023, addresses the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Deputy Presidents Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, and Kabiru Sani, as well as the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the TUC President, Engr Festus Usifo, along with the Scribe/Chief Executive, Nuhu Toro.

The contempt notice, signed by Senior Registrar Balogun Olajide, warns the defendants that failure to comply with the National Industrial Court’s order delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5, 2023, will result in being found guilty of contempt of court and subject to possible imprisonment.

In light of the situation, the court orders the defendants to refrain from initiating any planned industrial action or strike until the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, dated June 5, 2023.

Furthermore, the court instructs that the defendants should promptly be served with the originating processes, the Motion on Notice, and the court’s order. The hearing for the Motion on Notice is set for June 19, 2023, and the defendants will be duly notified about it.

In addition, the Federal Government included a copy of the exparte order issued by Justice Anuwe on June 5, 2023, along with the notice of contempt proceedings sent to the NLC and TUC officials.