‘It could amount to contempt’: FG warns NLC against planned protest

The Federal Government has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned nationwide protest slated for February 27 and February 28, 2024.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, gave the warning in a statement in a letter dated February 23 and addressed to the NLC Counsel, Femi Falana.

Fagbemi, according to a statement issued by the Director of Information, Ministry of Justice, Modupe Ogundoro, on Saturday, February 24, noted that “Government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the MOU and it is only appropriate and equitable for organised labour to engage more with government to ensure the full implementation of same, especially in the areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.”

According to him, the planned industrial action could amount to contempt in view of a restraining order of a National Industrial Court.

Nationwide protest: Stop undermining us, TUC tells NLC

“The restraining order has neither been stayed nor set aside, therefore, remains binding,” he added.

The AGF stated that the planned protest is premised on or connected with alleged non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the Federal Government on October 2, 2023, adding that it is targeted at promoting issues connected with hike in fuel prices and consequential matters of palliatives, workers welfare, and associated government policies.

Fagbemi, therefore, requested Falana to implore and enjoin the NCL to “refrain from self-help by shelving the proposed protests which is antithetical to the mediatory engagements leading to the execution of the MOU, tantamount to undermining subsisting restraining court order, and occasioning disruption of public service, order and safety.”

The Star