The Federal Government has called on organized labor to postpone its scheduled nationwide strike set to commence today.
This appeal comes as a reminder of a restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday.
The court order, in response to an ex-parte application by the Federal Government, prohibited the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from initiating any form of strike.
The planned strike was in response to an alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero by suspected thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on November 1.
The Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation, Kamarudeen Ogundele has warned the unions of the consequences of contempt for any action taken in violation of the court order.
Despite this legal backdrop, TUC President Festus Osifo announced at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday that the strike would proceed, mentioning conditions including the arrest and prosecution of those who assaulted Ajaero.
Prior to the strike, the organized labor wrote to all affiliated unions, directing them to withdraw their services. This directive was reinforced by various unions, including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, in compliance with the NLC and TUC instructions.
Security forces, anticipating the strike, have made proactive deployments to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
The Presidency, however, accused organized labor of pursuing a hidden agenda detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians, claiming that the strike was no longer in the interest of workers but a means to express grievances against the Imo State Government.
