The Federal Government has responded to the seven-day ultimatum presented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to initiate a nationwide strike in protest against the recent hike in the price of petrol and the soaring cost of living in the country.
On Wednesday, the NLC issued a stern seven-day ultimatum, urging the federal government to reverse what they described as “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies, which include the recent increase in petrol prices and sudden increments in public school fees, among other grievances.
In an official communique signed by Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, and Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary, the union accused the federal government of displaying immense disdain and contempt for the Nigerian people, leading to a declaration of a war of attrition against citizens.
Responding to the ultimatum, B.E Jedy-Agba, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, clarified that the NLC is bound by an order from the national industrial court, prohibiting them from initiating any strike action regarding the removal of petrol subsidy.
According to the statement, the court had issued an injunctive order on June 5, restraining both the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on any planned industrial action until the pending motion on notice is heard and determined.
Jedy-Agba emphasized that the NLC should explore alternative channels of negotiation with the federal government instead of resorting to “self-help” and undermining the court’s orders.
“The issues, including the removal of fuel subsidy, the hike in petrol prices, and the consequential increase in the cost of living, which triggered the court action, are the very same issues for which NLC has now issued another strike notice,” the statement reads.
“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN. It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that the NLC will allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.
“We note with dismay that this latest strike notice is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC president against the court.”
“Aside from the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the federal and state governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.
“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.”
As the deadline approaches, the NLC and the federal government continue to face mounting pressure to resolve the situation amicably and find a mutually beneficial solution to the country’s economic challenges.
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