On Monday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja blocked a statewide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to protest the Federal Government’s unilateral gasoline subsidy revocation.
Judge O. Y. Anuwe barred the two labour unions from striking until the Federal Government’s complaint was resolved.
The court ordered the interim order and substantive suit to be served on the NLC and TUC forthwith and delayed the case to June 19, 2023.
The court ruled that section 7(b) of the NIC Act, 2006, gave it sole authority over orders to prohibit any person or body from participating in any strike, lockout, or industrial action.
It granted urgent interim reliefs under NIC Act 2006 sections 16 and 19(a).
The affidavit of urgency and FG’s lawyer’s response demonstrated “a scenario that may gravely harm the greater society and the well-being of the nation at large,” the court said.
“Counsel has pointed out that students of secondary schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams nationwide, will be affected; tertiary institutions who have only just resumed after a long ASUU strike will also be affected; the health sector, among other sectors; and above all, the nation’s economy.
“In my judgement, this is a case of exceptional urgency that will necessitate the involvement of this court,” Judge Anuwe said.
The judge stated, “Having therefore reviewed the totality of this case, I issue the following orders:
“The defendants/respondents are accordingly restrained from undertaking the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any kind, pending the hearing and resolution of the motion on notice dated June 5 2023.
“The defendant/respondents shall be immediately served with the originating proceedings in this litigation, the motion on notice, and this court’s order.
“The motion on notice will be heard on June 19 2023. Together with other processes, defendants/respondents will receive hearing notices.”
Fani Kayode claims Peter Obi is scripting NLC leaders.
Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, has called Nigeria Labour Congress officials “players” following the script of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In a statement he personally signed, Fani-Kayode said, “The leadership of the NLC did not threaten to go on strike during the politically-motivated, unconstitutional and illegal cash confiscation and money deprivation policy that resulted in the suffering, hunger, destruction, death, hardship, depression, frustration, madness and despair of millions of our people.
Instead, they are threatening to strike over the implementation of a well-thought-out and credible oil subsidy policy that the Nigerian people endorsed by voting for a President who promised to remove it and which, though initially tough, will inevitably and eventually result in the restoration and resurrection of our economy and ensure that we have the funds and resources for massive infrastructural development.
Is this not unusual and indicative of the Labour Congress leadership’s insincerity, double standards, and hypocrisy?
“Does that not reveal they are acting out a script and that they are nothing more than a bunch of implacable foes, devious subversives, and opportunistic mercenaries in the hands and power of Peter Obi?
“If Peter instructs them to leap, they will question, “Bwana, how high?” The oil subsidy will end whether the NLC likes it or not.
“That is the only way to salvage our country from the budgetary issues, rot and decay that it has endured over the previous 15 years and put us back on the correct course for national development,” the statement continued.
Kwara and Oyo governors meet labour leaders.
Yesterday, Kwara and Oyo governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Seyi Makinde met with their respective labour leaders.
Governors met with their state’s senior labour leaders to explain that fuel subsidy reduction was done in good faith to protect the economy.
In the national interest, the government has to remove subsidies. It is the cheapest and most sustainable way to stop criminals from draining public resources.
The subsidy system implies Nigeria’s deficit budget hurts economic growth and impoverishes people. The country borrowed to feed a few while neglecting infrastructure, industrial expansion, and job creation.
“Now that subsidy has been abolished since there is no provision for it in the budget, the government is open to veritable proposals from the labour unions on how to channel the savings for the greatest public benefit, including wage rise.
“Mr. President and all of us (Governors) sincerely appreciate the short-term difficulties that come with the progress, but we are determined to making sure that the interest of the workers and the Nigerian people is protected,” Abdulrazaq told labour leaders.
Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka, Kwara State NLC Chairman, agreed with AbdulRazaq that dialogue is better than strike action at this time.
He advised the Governor to use his NGF Chairmanship to mediate the national issue.
In a meeting with organised labour in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde formed a committee of government and union leaders.
He gave the Committee eight weeks to propose a viable minimum wage.
Fuel pump price hike sabotage—18 CSOs
18 Civil Society Organizations say independent oil marketers are trying to disrupt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal policy by raising gas pump prices.
The 18 CSOs’ statement was signed by National Coordinator (Niger Delta Youth Congress NDYC), Comrade Isreal Uwejeyan, National President (South-south Movement for Good Governance), Barr. Raymond Oporomo; President (Urhobo Progressive Vanguard), Comrade Efemena Esamagu; National Coordinator (Niger Delta Women for Change), Mrs Abigial Asibie; and National President (Cross River Youth Democratic Front), Comr. Julius Emaluji.
They said, “We call on Nigerians to hold independent oil marketers accountable for the drastic deterioration of petroleum prices; we vehemently condemn these acts of extortion by the independent marketers who hiked pump prices as soon as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the subsidy removal to sabotage the sincere efforts of the government.
“This evil and greedy act disregards the Nigerian people’s already difficult living conditions.
We also recognise that the withdrawal of fuel subsidies has increased the financial burden on Nigerians, particularly the poor.
“The sudden increase in fuel prices has had a ripple effect on the cost of transportation, food, and other essential commodities, further exacerbating the hardships faced by the people, therefore, we urge the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to critically review the NNPCL fuel price template. The administration would reduce the financial burden on the populace by lowering the fuel price template.”
The CSOs also advised Nigerians to be mindful of the Nigerian Labour Congress, accusing it of exploiting the pain of the public for its own interests.
They asked the NLC to explain its absence throughout the formulation, presentation, defence, and budget passing by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and the 9th National Assembly, which did not include a subsidy.
“It is distressing to observe opportunistic acts being made by the NLC only when it suits their purpose, rather than continuously advocating for Nigerians,” the statement said.
