A court of appeal sitting in Abuja, yesterday stopped the Nigeria Labour Congress from going ahead with the strike slated for November 16.
Delivering ruling in an application for an interlocutory order to stop the strike filed by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), on behalf of the federal government, the court said that it was necessary to grant an interim order to stop the NLC from calling out workers so as to enable the court hear an application by the government.
The federal government had filed an application before the court of appeal, seeking to enforce the judgement of the federal high court Abuja, delivered on September 21.
When the matter came up yesterday, both the federal government and the NLC were in court to argue the application for the enforcement of the judgement delivered by Justice Roseline Ukeje of the federal high court, Abuja.
NLC’s lawyer, Femi Falana, told the court that he was not ready to respond to the government’s application because he had to consult his client on the matter.
He told the court that NLC’s president, Adams Oshiomhole, was away in Akwa Ibom State and that he needed to see him to collect some documents which would assist them in court and asked for an adjournment, to enable him consult with his client.
But government lawyer, Chief Babalola (SAN), said that Falana was served with the application last week and had ample time to consult with his client.
He urged the court to compel Falana to sign an undertaking on behalf of his client that there would be no strike until the application has been heard.
He however asked in the alternative for an interim order stopping labour from going on strike until the government’s application is determined.
After hearing the argument, the panel of justices comprising Justice Mary Odili, Justice Albert Oduyeni and Tanko Muhammed, adjourned for 30 minutes after which the panel ruled that the NLC should not embark on the planned strike. Responding to the court’s order, NLC president, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, told newsmen after a palliative committee meeting in Abuja that he was not aware of any court ruling.
He said, “the strike will commence on Tuesday,” saying that the thing that can only stop it is “if the government considers the grievances of the Nigerian people and not mine.”
“I am not the NLC I am not aware of any court ruling. So I am just coming from Uyo. Even the senate president knows that I am just coming from Uyo.”
He said if there was a court order, it would be served on those who took the decision. “I am not the one who took the decision.
“I am sure the judges are fair-minded. They would not ask me to reverse a decision I did not take. If there is an order, they should take it to the NLC,” he added.
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