The Nigerian federal government has decided to halt its plans to take legal action against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to avoid a countrywide work stoppage.
This move comes after the government had threatened to bring contempt charges against these labor unions for allegedly ignoring court orders against strikes.
The government had accused the unions of conducting public protests on August 2nd, 2023, over a disagreement about removing fuel subsidies, despite court orders prohibiting such actions.
READ ALSO: NLC Nationwide Strike: Tinubu’s first battle with labour union
There would be nationwide strike
In response to the government’s threat, the NLC held an urgent meeting and warned that it would call for a nationwide strike if its leaders were taken to court for contempt.
They demanded the withdrawal of the legal action by August 11th, 2023.
However, a letter from the Solicitor General of the Federation, Mrs. B.E. Jeddy-Agba, to the lead counsel of the NLC, Femi Falana, revealed that the Ministry of Justice has withdrawn the contempt proceedings.
The decision was influenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention and the unions’ decision to cancel their strike after discussions with the President and the National Assembly leadership.
They want to protect the court’s integrity
The letter explained that the government’s decision to withdraw the contempt proceedings was based on the need to protect the court’s integrity and prevent disruptions to public services.
The Ministry initially filed a form to start contempt proceedings, but it won’t proceed further as long as the situation remains peaceful.
Despite prior exchanges and interventions between the Ministry and the labor unions, the unions proceeded with the strike on August 2nd.
This led to disruptions and even the breaking of the gate at the National Assembly. The Ministry had initiated the contempt proceedings in response to this.
READ ALSO: Protest update: Heavy presence of security guard as Labour union members gather for protest
Meeting with NLC, TUC fruitful, says Tinubu’s special adviser
In another news on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu met with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and Festus Osifo of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The meeting was held at the State House, Abuja, in response to the nationwide protests by NLC and TUC.
After the meeting, Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President, issued a statement, indicating that it was fruitful, adding that the Labour unions will suspend further protest.
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