Court Halts Abuja Protest Plan
A court in Abuja has stopped the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and three labour leaders from going ahead with a planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory.
The order was issued by the National Industrial Court following an application by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Administration.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the interim order after hearing an ex parte motion filed against the unions and their officials, including Benson Upah, General NA Toro and Stephen Knabayi.
The court restrained them and their agents from any strike or protest action until a pending motion is heard, while security agencies were directed to maintain peace in the city.
The court was told that labour leaders had circulated mobilisation messages for a protest scheduled for today, despite an earlier court order made on January 27.
It was also informed that unions issued directives titled “Reinforcement directive to all affiliate unions in the FCT” and “Defend your rights with courage and dignity: We are with you,” urging workers to continue the strike even after the court ruling.
Despite the order, the NLC and TUC have insisted they will hold a peaceful solidarity rally in support of Joint Unions Action Committee members over unpaid salaries.
The unions said the action would show unity within the labour movement, stressing that “an injury to one worker remains an injury to all,” while assuring FCT workers that they would not be abandoned. The case has been adjourned until February 10.
