The President of the National Industrial Court,Justice Benedict Kanyip (NIC) has barred the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as well as their affiliates from embarking on any form of strike or industrial action.
The development followed an exparte application filed by the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN.
The judge invoked Sections 17 and 19 of the National Industrial Court Act to issue the restraining order against the labour.
The Federal Government and the AGF through their lawyer Tijani Gazali had in the ex-parte application prayed the court to stop the planned strike action for November 14 so as to stop further hardships that would be inflicted on citizens and their businesses.
Gazali, drew the attention of the court to a series of hardships suffered by Nigerians saying that unless the planned strike action is stopped, there may be a likelihood of a breach of peace and tranquility in the country.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Kanyip said that it is within the power of the court to intervene by way of a restraining order to ensure peace and tranquility.
The judge granted all the requests of the Federal Government and directed that the restraining order be pasted on the wall of the Labour House being the last known address of the two defendants to ensure that they are aware of the court’s decision..
He also directed that the order along with the originating and other processes be served on the defendants by publication in two major national dailies.
The case has been transferred to Justice Olufunke Yemi Anuwe who is said to be handling a similar labour dispute involving the same parties.
The court president said Justice Anuwe would issue a hearing notice to the parties at an appropriate time.
