Strike: FG warns NLC/TUC against contempt of court, urges workers to report for work without fear

The Federal government has warned leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) against going against a subsisting court order stopping the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.

The warning was contained in a statement issued just over an hour ago by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi.

The statement, signed by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant Communication and Publicity to the AGF and Minister of Justice, read:

LABOUR UNIONS MUST RESPECT SUBSISTING COURT ORDER

We wish to remind the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress that there is a subsisting court order stopping the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.

The interim order was granted on November 10 by the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice B. B. Kanyip.

The unions have been served the court order and, therefore, must surrender themselves to the authority of the court which is already seized with the facts of the case.

Any action taken contrary to the order will be tantamount to contempt of court.

We use this medium to urge the unions to respect the court order and adhere to the principle of the rule of law. There is no need to resort to self-help.

We urge workers to report for duties and not to entertain any fear as their safety is guaranteed and will be protected within the ambit of law.

Kamarudeen Ogundele

Special Assistant Communication & Publicity to the AGF & Minister of Justice