Labour files contempt charge against govt
From Emmanuel Onwubiko,
Abuja
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday told Justice Roseline Ukeje, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that it has filed a contempt charge (Form 48) against the Federal Attorney-General over the recent fuel price increase.
Specifically, Form 48 means a notice of consequence of disobedience of order of court. It reads. "Take notice that unless you do obey the direction contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and you will be liable to be committed to prisons."
The notice issued by the Federal High Court, Abuja, was done at the instance of Mr. Femi Falana, lawyer to the NLC.
However, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), the chief counsel to the Federal Attorney-General, Akinolu Olujinmi (SAN), faulted the procedure adopted by the plaintiff's counsel.
He said he ought to have informed him ahead of yesterday's court session.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, had on February 9, 2004 ordered parties in the suit to maintain the status quo ante bellum in terms of earlier order of restraints by the Appeal Court.
The Federal High Court ordered the Federal Government to stop any increase in the prices of petroleum products and the NLC not to embark on a strike pending the determination of the substantive suit.
At yesterday's session, the judge adjourned till Thursday, July 15, 2004 because Falana told the court that he requires two days to reply to the address by the first defendant's lawyer.
The Federal Government had gone to the Abuja High Court to challenge the decision of the NLC to embark on a nation-wide strike to protest the introduced but now suspended N1.50 per litre fuel tax.
But Justice Lawal Gumi, the Chief Judge of Abuja High Court, struck out the government's suit on the ground that it was the inalienable rights of Nigerian workers to protest unfavourable policies, peacefully.
The Federal Government appealled the decision at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, but lost on ground of lack of jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal, headed by Justice Ayo Isa Salami, however advised the Federal Government to go to the Federal High Court, Abuja with the suit. But the Appellate Court advised parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Among the prayers of the Federal Government is for the Federal High Court to restrain the Labour union and its officers from inducing any worker in Nigeria to embark on any action to protest the fuel price.
The Federal Government through Babalola said the court process against the NLC was instituted by it because the union under the leadership of Mr. Adams Oshiomhole wants to go on strike over a matter that does not border on trade dispute.
