Planned protest contempt of court, AGF tells labour unions

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has reminded the members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that their proposed mass protest would be in contempt of court.

In a statement dated February 23, 2024, and addressed to the counsel to the labour unions, Femi Falana (SAN), the AGF said the purpose of the planned two-day protest announced on February 16 and fixed for February 27 and 28, was premised on alleged non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the federal government on October 2, 202.

The AGF said the protests centres on issues around the fuel price hike, and consequential matters of palliatives, workers’ welfare, and associated government policies.

“You may wish to note that the foregoing issues or objectives are at the core of the pending case before the National Industrial Court.

“Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and an affront to the institution of our courts of law.

“Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in suit no: NICN/ ABJ/158/2023 Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor V. Nigeria Labour Congress & Anor on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature”, he said

Meanwhile, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero has stated that the union will proceed with the planned protest as, according to him, “our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living.”