The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to shelve its proposed nationwide protest.
The NLC has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, in response to the economic challenges facing the country.
We are making efforts to ramp up food supply – Presidency
This decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government regarding the widespread hardship.
However, in a letter addressed to the counsel for the NLC, Femi Falana, (SAN) dated February 23, 2024, Fagbemi reminded the NLC of a subsisting order restraining the union from embarking on any industrial action.
The letter read, “I wish to draw your esteemed attention to the Joint Press Release dated 8th February 2024, containing a 14-day ultimatum, jointly issued by the President of the NLC and President of the TUC as well as the notice of a two-day national protest issued by the NLC President on 16th February 2024.
“A cursory perusal of the above press release clearly shows 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 02, 2023, consequences of the hike in the price of PMS, and other associated issues. It is therefore safe to assert again that the proposed cause of action by NLC is targeted at achieving objectives or promoting issues connected with a hike in fuel price and consequential matters of palliatives workers ‘ welfare, and associated government policies.
” It is not in doubt that the planned protest is designed to compel the government to accede to the demands of organised labour, therefore, such action qualifies as an industrial action which comes within the ambit of the restraining order. This restraining order has neither been stayed nor set- aside and therefore remains binding.”
He noted that the government had substantially met the demands of the union as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding entered with the NLC.
Fagbemi said, ”I wish to note that the government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the MOU and it is only appropriate and equitable for organized labour to engage more with the government to ensure the full implementation of same, especially in areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.
“May I, therefore request that you kindly implore and enjoin your clients to refrain from self-help by shelving the proposed protests which are 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.”
Femi Falana writes AGF, seeks protection for protesters
Amid the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the hardship faced by Nigerians, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has asked the Attorney General Of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to provide security for the demonstrators.
Barring any last-minute change, the NLC will on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28 protest following the dramatic hike in the prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the free fall of the naira, among others.
The human rights lawyer in a letter dated February 24 and addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation said Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act empowers the Minister of Justice to provide security cover for the protesters.
“While we have advised the members of the NLC to conduct the rallies scheduled for February 27-28, 2024 in a peaceful manner, we urge you to use your good offices to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security to the conveners and participants in the protest in line with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act,” the letter read in part.
“Finally, while awaiting your favourable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem.”
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