The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their proposed nationwide strike.
Earlier in the day, both unions had called on workers nationwide to initiate a work stoppage at midnight, amplifying their dispute with the Imo State government on a national scale.
In a statement issued late Monday, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant Communication and Publicity to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reminded the organised labour of a court order that prohibits the unions from proceeding with the strike.
The Federal Government appealed to the unions to comply with the court order, stating that any action taken contrary to the order would be tantamount to contempt of court.
The statement urged the unions to respect the rule of law, emphasizing that resorting to self-help is unnecessary.
The government assured workers that their safety is guaranteed and will be protected within the bounds of the law.
The decision by the NLC and TUC to pursue the strike stemmed from an assault on the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.
Ajaero was in the state for a demonstration addressing issues such as the “non-payment of salaries and pensions for 44 months and violation of other labour rights. The attack, allegedly carried out by individuals identified as police officers and thugs prompted the unions to call for the resignation of those involved.
