Strike: 'You don't obey court orders'- labour replies FG on court order stopping strike action

In the wake of the second day of the nationwide industrial action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Organised Labour has emphasized that it has not received any court order from the Federal Government or its representatives instructing them to halt the ongoing strike, which commenced on Tuesday.

TUC President Festus Osifo, expressing his concerns on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, criticized the government for consistently disregarding court orders while simultaneously expecting compliance from other institutions in relation to the judiciary.

Osifo highlighted past instances, such as the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) violating court orders mandating the release of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, from DSS custody during his earlier detention, a situation that persisted for about five months.

Addressing the absence of a court order pertaining to the current strike, Osifo passionately remarked, “Yes, we don’t have service on the court order, but we have a government today that perpetually does not obey court orders. When DSS was holding Emefiele, how many court orders were passed for Emefiele to be released? Countless numbers of them.”

Osifo asserted that upon receipt of a court order concerning the ongoing strike, the unions would consult with their legal representatives to make informed decisions. He underscored the responsible nature of the institutions involved, stating that despite the government’s alleged continuous violation of court orders, a thorough examination of any received orders would be conducted, and appropriate action taken if deemed necessary.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s approach, Osifo criticized its tendency to resort to obtaining restraining orders from the court to halt labor actions rather than engaging in dialogue with the unions to address their grievances. He argued that the government’s reliance on court orders is not conducive to fostering positive labor relations.

In response to the ongoing strike, the Presidency and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation condemned the Labour movement for proceeding with the indefinite action despite a “restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.” They emphasized the importance of Labour and respecting court orders.

The nationwide strike was initiated by Labour on Tuesday to demand justice for an assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on November 1, 2023, during his attempt to lead a protest against alleged anti-labour practices by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led administration.

The strike’s impact has been widespread, with workers in several states participating and leading to the closure of public schools, state High Courts, and State Houses of Assembly. Additionally, some banks in capital cities have closed their doors to customers, necessitating transactions at ATM terminals.