Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other respondents from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The order followed an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, alongside the FCT Administration (FCTA). In his ruling, Justice Subilim granted an interim injunction restraining the 1st to 5th respondents, including their agents and privies, from proceeding on strike pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The court further directed the 5th to 9th defendants, who are security agencies, to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital.
Counsel to the Minister of the FCT and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council had allegedly issued a mobilisation message to members and affiliated unions calling for a mass protest scheduled for 3rd February.
He argued that the planned protest was in clear violation of existing court orders. According to him, following the court’s ruling on 27th January, the order was duly served on the defendants on the same day.
However, he noted that despite being served with the court order, the NLC and TUC jointly issued a statement directing all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike action. The statement reportedly instructed striking workers to continue the industrial action, citing that the unions’ counsel, Femi Falana, had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling of the court.
Onoja further informed the court that the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) subsequently issued a circular directing all employees to remain on strike.
He submitted that these actions were deliberately aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Subilim adjourned the matter until 10th February for the hearing of the motion on notice.
