The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), urging the organization to abandon its planned nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28 and underlined that such action would be a direct violation to court order according to report on Saturday, 24th February, 2024.
In a letter addressed to Femi Falana, counsel for the NLC, dated February 23, 2024, Fagbemi reminded the NLC of an existing court order stopping the union from embarking on any form of industrial action.
He highlighted the connection between the planned protest and ongoing court proceedings.
“Parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and affront to the institution of our courts of law,” he stated.
Fagbemi further explained the reason behind the court’s injunction, noting that the main issues of planned protest are subjects to ongoing lawsuit.
He said that the government had addressed the demands outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NLC, urging the organization to engage in constructive dialogue rather than engaging protest.
The Attorney General underlined the potential consequences of defying the court order.
“The proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order. Restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature,” he said.
He urged the NLC to stop any actions that could disrupt public service, order, and safety.
In response to Fagbemi’s letter, the NLC has yet to issue an official statement.
The organization however previously cited economic challenges, including the non-implementation of agreements with the Federal Government and the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as reasons for the planned protest.
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