The National Industrial Court in Owerri has issued a new interim injunction, barring organized labor from initiating any form of strike action in Imo state until further notice. The court cautioned against any disregard for its order, emphasizing that there would be repercussions.
Justice N.C.S. Ogbuanya issued this directive last Friday after considering the arguments presented by the legal representatives of both parties, who indicated they had not yet reached a resolution in their dispute.
The defendants in this case are the Nigeria Labour Congress, represented by the Secretary General, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the Trade Union Congress, represented by the Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
In suit No NICN/ OW/41/2023, the claimants are the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government.
The court, after hearing from both counsels, has scheduled November 30, 2023, for the ruling on the motion for interlocutory injunction by the claimants.
The court emphasized its duty to prevent labor disputes from escalating and negatively impacting the interests and well-being of citizens and third parties not directly involved in the dispute. Therefore, it directed the parties to maintain peace until the next adjourned date and warned of the consequences of disobeying the existing court order in the pending suit.
This order renders the current strike action in Imo state, particularly by a section of labor, including EEDC, illegal. The court will reconvene on November 30, 2023, for the ruling on the interlocutory injunction filed by the claimants.