The National Industrial Court has explained that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, cannot embark on their propose nationwide strike on Wednesday because of the ongoing 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The court, on Monday, also issued an order restraining the NLC and the TUC from embarking on any form of strike.
Ruling on an exparte application filed before the court, Justice Olufunke Anuwe restrained the defendants (the TUC and the NLC) from embarking on the planned nationwide strike Wednesday pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice dated June 5, 2023.
The presiding judge said the federal government was able to show that the planned strike is capable of disrupting activities in the health and education sectors.
The judge also ordered that the defendants be immediately served with the originating processes, the motion on notice and the order of the court.
The Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation are applicant in the matter.
“The urgency enumerated in the affidavit of urgency and in counsel’s submission reveals a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and indeed the well-being of the nation at large,” court document showed.
“Counsel has pointed that students of Secondary Schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams will be affected; the tertiary institutions who have only just resumed after a long ASUU strike will also be affected, not leaving the health sector, amongst other sectors; and above all, the economy of the nation.
“In my view, this situation of extreme urgency that will require the intervention of this court.”
“The defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 5th June 2023,” the judge said.
“It is ordered that the defendant/respondents be immediately served with the originating processes in this suit, the motion on notice and the order of this court hereby made.
“The motion on notice is hereby fixed for hearing for 19th June 2023. Hearing notices to that effect shall be served on the defendants/respondents along with the other processes.”
