The Nigerian National Industrial Court has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress from embarking on their planned protest scheduled today, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 over the removal of fuel subsidies.
According to local reports, the presiding judge, Justice Olufunke Anuwe ordered that there should not be a strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023.
The court, in addition, ordered that the defendants be served immediately with the processes in the suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of the court.
The court further fixed the matter on June 19 for a hearing.
The Labour Unions are unhappy about the recent removal of the fuel subsidy.
They, therefore, set Wednesday, June 7, 2023, to protest the decision by the new administration.
However, the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, on Monday, sought an order from the court to restrain them from going ahead with the protest.
The applicants argued that the proposed strike action is capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.
They claim that the strike may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large.
Counsel to FG, Maimuna Shiru also submitted that students of secondary schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams would be affected and that the tertiary institutions that just resumed after their eight months ASUU strike would also be affected.
The application also stated that the strike would affect the health sector amongst other sectors; and above all, the economy of the nation.
Following the court order, the Union, with the Federal Government, reached an agreement to suspend the protest forthwith to enable further consultations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
