NLC President Ayuba Wabba

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The National Industrial Court, Abuja on Tuesday stopped the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), from proceeding on nation-wide strike it scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

Ruling in a suit brought by Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation against the NLC and TUC, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Babatunde Adeniran Ademjumo, granted an Interim Order of Injunction restraining the Defendants/Respondents, their agents, privies, employees, workmen, or servants from embarking on industrial action, demonstrating or engaging in any action that may disrupt the economic activities of the country pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The Federal Government team, led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Chief O. O. Obono-Obla, Special Assistant to the President (Prosecution), Office of the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Dayo Apata, Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice had argued that if the reliefs sought in the motion is refused, irreparable damage will be caused to the country’s national economy, security and corporate existence.

They added that the Defendants who had threatened to shut down the country must be restrained otherwise there will be a breakdown of law and order.

While delivering his ruling, Justice Adejumo held that he has jurisdiction to hear the application and that having read through the affidavits in support of the application, he is satisfied that a case of urgency has been established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to warrant the grant of an interim order of injunction.

Justice Adejumo held that the threats of the Defendants as contained in the communique issued by the Defendants on the 29th May to shut down all banks; airports, seaports, government offices, markets nationwide is enough evidence that there is need to grant the injunction.