The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), cautioning them against their proposed mass protest, citing contempt of court.
In a statement dated February 23, directed to the counsel for the labour unions, Femi Falana (SAN), the AGF highlighted that the planned two-day protest scheduled for February 27 and 28 stemmed from alleged non-compliance with the 16-point agreement reached with the federal government on October 2, 2023.
The AGF emphasised that the issues at the heart of the protest, including the fuel price hike, palliatives, workers’ welfare, and government policies, are subject to a pending case before the National Industrial Court.
He stressed that resorting to public protests on these matters would constitute contempt of court and undermine the authority of the judicial system.
According to the AGF, the proposed nationwide protest contradicts the interim injunctive order issued in suit no: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, dated June 5, 2023, which restrained both NLC and TUC from engaging in any industrial action or strike.
Nevertheless, NLC President Joe Ajaero, has affirmed that the union will proceed with the planned protest, asserting that it aims to peacefully address the soaring cost of living.
