On Wednesday, the Federal Government filed a contempt lawsuit against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for proceeding with an industrial action despite an interim order restraining the NLC from doing so. The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, had previously stated that the industrial action by the organized labor was illegal and in violation of the court’s order.
In the lawsuit, the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation are the applicants, while the NLC and TUC are the defendants. The notice of contempt was addressed to NLC President Joe Ajaero, Deputy Presidents Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale, and Kabiru Sani, and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja. It was also addressed to TUC President Engr Festus Usifo and Scribe/Chief Executive Nuhu Toro.
The contempt notice warned the defendants that failure to obey the directions contained in the order of the National Industrial Court delivered by Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5, 2023, could lead to them being found guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison. The court had restrained the defendants from embarking on any planned industrial action or strike pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023.
The case is scheduled to be heard on June 19, 2023. The Federal Government also attached a copy of the exparte order made by Justice Anuwe on June 5, 2023, as evidence in the contempt proceeding against the NLC and TUC officials.
