Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, cautions the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that their scheduled mass protest constitutes contempt of court.
In a statement dated February 23 and directed to the counsel representing the labour unions, Femi Falana (SAN), the AGF underscores that the proposed two-day protest announced on February 16, slated for February 27 and 28, stems from alleged non-adherence to the 16-point agreement reached with the federal government on October 2, 2023.
Focusing on issues surrounding the recent fuel price increase and related matters such as palliatives and workers’ welfare, the AGF notes, “These objectives are central to the ongoing case before the National Industrial Court.
“Submitting grievances to the court precludes parties from resorting to public protests on the same matters, as it constitutes gross contempt and undermines our judicial institutions,” he asserts.
The AGF emphasizes that the planned nationwide protest violates the interim injunctive order issued in suit no: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor V. Nigeria Labour Congress & Anor on June 5, 2023, restraining both NLC and TUC from engaging in any form of industrial action or strike.
In response, NLC President Joe Ajaero asserts the union’s intent to proceed with the protest, affirming, “Our protest aims to peacefully address the unbearable cost of living.”
