Court Rules On NLC Strike, April 17

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, has adjourned till April 17, a suit filed by the Enugu State Government to compel organised labour to suspend its industrial action.

Though the strike has been called off, both parties are insisting that the case should continue as there are unresolved issues.

Justice Maureen Esowe adjourned the matter for ruling on whether or not to continue hearing the case or transfer it to the Enugu Judicial Division as requested by the Enugu State Government.

Joined in the suit filed by Enugu State Government are the Nigeria Labour Congress and six of its officials.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr Anthony Itedjere, said that the Enugu State Government was still bent on not paying all the workers the national minimum wage, adding that it paid only officers receiving less than N18,000 a month.

The defendants prayed the court to compel the Enugu State Government to pay the approved minimum wage to its workers.

Itedjere also urged the court to continue hearing the matter as the defendants would be held hostage if the matter was transferred to Enugu.

“We would not want to go to Enugu. The matter can be transferred to any other judicial division but not Enugu.”

The plaintiff’s counsel, Mr Sam Orji, however, prayed the court to transfer the case to Enugu Judicial Division for the convenience of both parties.