Wike: Court Bars NLC, TUC, Others From Strike, Protest in FCT

The National Industrial Court has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other parties from embarking on any strike or protest in the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration. The ruling bars the first to fifth respondents, including their agents and affiliates, from any industrial action pending the hearing of a motion on notice.

The court also directed security agencies listed as the fifth to ninth defendants to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Counsel to the applicants, Ogwu Onoja, told the court that the chairman of the FCT council had circulated a mobilisation message to unions and members for a mass protest scheduled for February 3. He argued that the planned action violates an earlier court order issued on January 27.

According to the applicants, the January 27 order was served on the unions the same day the NLC and TUC released a joint statement asking affiliates to sustain and intensify the strike. The statement noted that the unions’ counsel, Femi Falana, had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.

The applicants further stated that the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) subsequently issued a circular directing workers to continue the strike.

They argued that these steps could disrupt public order in the capital.

The court adjourned the case to February 10 for hearing.