The Presidency has described the decision by the labour unions to call workers out on strike over the alleged assault on Joe Ajaero, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC in Imo as unwarranted, ego-tripping, illegal blackmailing the government, cause undue hardship and civil disturbance in the country.
The Presidency, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy on Monday evening also accused the labour unions of executing a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in the country by issuing the strike notice after official hours.
The presidency, in the statement, noted that the labour unions decided to call out workers on strike despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court and the transfer of a police commissioner allegedly responsible for the assault of Ajaero out of Imo State.
But in a statement late Monday, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant Communication & Publicity to the AGF & Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, reminded the unions that there is an existing court order barring them from going on strike.
“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 statement read.
“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.
The Attorney General therefore asked 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.”
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