Despite threats of a contempt prosecution from the Federal Government, the Labour Party remains steadfast in their scheduled strike. The Trade Union Congress President, Festus Osifo, reaffirmed that the work stoppage would start soon. This demonstration is in reaction to the reported attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero on November 1 in Owerri, Imo State, by alleged thugs.
The National Industrial Court in Abuja was approached by the Federal Government to obtain a restraining order to stop the Labour Centers from carrying out their strike. The Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation, Kamarudeen Ogundele, issued a warning, stating that disobeying the court order would be deemed contempt of court.
Labour leaders rallied affiliates from the NLC and TUC, expressing their resolve to carry out the strike. They underlined how the government must confront the attack on the NLC President and establish clear guidelines for the strike’s termination.
The organized labour responded to the attack by ordering aviation employees to close the Owerri airport and by staging picketing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. They have instructed their members to follow the directive about the strike.
Conversely, the Federal Government charged that the Organized Labor was pursuing a goal that was at odds with Nigerian interests.
They noted that many demands had been fulfilled, such as the supply of cars equipped with compressed natural gas and the payment of N35,000 as wage awards to all government employees for six months. Because the strike defied the current court ruling, the administration questioned the strike’s legitimacy.
Public safety risks and possible disruptions to economic activity have been brought up by the planned nationwide strike. During the strike period, local police departments are proactively deploying to maintain peace and avoid a breakdown of law and order.