Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor- General of the Federation says the ministry did not threaten the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the planned strike.
This is contained in a letter addressed to the counsel for NLC, Messrs Falana & Falanaās Chambers on Monday in Abuja by Jedy-Agba.
In the letter, the solicitor-general of the federation said the ministry simply drew the attention of the NLC to a pending court order.
The letter was copied the National Security Adviser, Director-General, State Security Services and the Inspector General of Police.
READ ALSO: Fire destroys 14 shelves in Yola market ā Official
The permanent secretary was reacting to a letter written to it by the NLC through Falana and Falanaās Chambers part of which reads: RE: NLC NOT IN CONTEMPT OF COURT
Please refer to your correspondence dated 28 July 2023 as it relates to the proposed nation-wide action by the Nigerian Labour Congress.
This Ministry has perused the said correspondence, which clearly misconstrued the reported position of this Ministry, and we deem it fit to put the issues in their proper perspective as follows: Parties are expected to maintain the status quo even in the absence of a restraining order.
READ ALSO:Ā Labour Congress Criticizes Tinubuās National Broadcast, Insists on Strike
However, there was no threat of contempt of court in the clarification provided by this Ministry. Undoubtedly, drawing the attention of NLC and the public to the pendency of the order cannot be equated with threatsā.
She noted that the issue of peaceful protests and police permit were also not in contention.
āYou may wish to be guided by the contents of the Communique issued by the National Executive Council of NLC at the end of its meeting of 27 July 2023.
āThe decision or projected cause of action by NLC are directed principally in furtherance of issues connected with hike in fuel price and consequential matters of palliatives and workers welfare.
āWe assert that it is grossly inappropriate to lead public protest in respect of issues relating to or connected with fuel price increase, which are currently before the courtā, she said.
āFrom the communique, it is apparent that the current move by NLC goes beyond peaceful protest by issuing a seven-day ultimatum for government to meet its demands and also embark on a nation-wide action to compel government to reverse alleged anti-worker policiesāā.
According to her, `uncontroverted media reports have established that NLC is not planning a peaceful protest but intending to ground the government by endangering public peace, instilling fear in the masses, precipitating further crisis.
READ ALSO:Ā NAF Airstrikes kill Terrorist Foot Soldiers in Katsina, Zamfara
āThe Assistant General Secretary of NLC, stated thus: āNigerians should be prepared. Thatās what we are saying. Being prepared means you have to stock food in your house and be economical with your movement at this particular point in time so as to avoid being stranded.
āIn the same vein, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers and National Union of Electricity Employees, confirmed that they were working towards grounding supply of fuel and the national electricity grid.
āThe Acting General Secretary of NUEE stated thus: āThe NUEE is an affiliate of the NLC and Iāve told you that we will join the strike actionāā.
She said: that means that if thereās a deadlock between labour and the government; the mass protest is still going on, and definitely electricity workers as an affiliate of the NLC, will partake in the mass protest.
āSo, all workers in the power sector will join the mass protest, it is binding on every staff member to join the strike action. So, if it results in a blackout, the only option is for the government to listen to us if it wants power to return.
āWe reiterate that the interim order clearly restrained NLC from embarking on industrial action of any nature, it is common knowledge that strike is only a form of industrial action.
READ ALSO: France Begins Evacuation of Nationals, European Citizens from Niger
āThe participation of workers in the protest will result in restriction, or limitation on, or a delay in the performance of workāā.
Jedy-Agba said that it is incumbent on Messrs Falana & Falanaās Chambers to sensitize the labour unions that peaceful protests are no justification for disrupting or shutting down essential services, which is tantamount to a strike action.
āBased on the foregoing, you may wish to advise your clients accordingly. Please accept the assurance of my esteemed regardsāā, she advised.