The Federal Government has initiated a contempt proceeding against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for allegedly flouting an order that prohibited the unions from engaging in industrial action.
The “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of the court,” also referred to as “form 48,” was filed before the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Protests ‘fruitful and productive’ – NLC
The Organised Labour has described their discussion regarding petrol subsidy removal palliatives with President Bola Tinubu as “fruitful and productive”.
Speaking with state house correspondents after a meeting with the president on Tuesday in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said they thoroughly examined the proposed measures as the concerns that sparked the protests persist.
He, however, did not provide any assurance regarding the cancellation or continuation of the nationwide protests against the economic difficulties resulting from the removal of petrol subsidy.
We’ll decide on Thursday whether to continue or suspend protests – NLC
On whether the strike will be called off, the NLC president explained that a decision that will be taken after the union’s executive meeting.
“We met with him (President); issues are the same issues that led to the protest today. He has expressed his position and made some commitments which are taken side by side with what the National Assembly said,” he said.
“We’re taking it back to the office with our colleagues to review it and release a document on our next line of action.”
On whether the protest has been called off, Ajaero said an immediate decision could not be taken by the labour leaders that came for the meeting.
He said the national executive council (NEC) of the NLC would meet on Thursday to decide on the next course of action.
“No one person can call it off. That’s why I say we’ll have to go back to the office. So that we will look at it at the EXCO meeting,” he said.
“And by tomorrow, the NLC will equally have their NEC meeting to look at the bigger picture on whether to suspend the protest. The president is a pro democratic activist so he understands protests.”
Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, was also present at the meeting.
