NLC Wades Into NUCSSW’s Dispute

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has settled the dispute between the Federal Secretariat Branch of the Nigeria Union of Civil Service Stenographic Workers and its national headquarters.
The Secretariat branch of the union had dragged its National Headquarters before the National Industrial Court over its leadership crisis which began 2001.
When the matter came up for report of settlement the Claimant’s Counsel, Mr Enobong Ette, informed the court that the terms of settlement had been prepared.
Ette also informed the court that the parties in the suit had also consented to it following the intervention and effort of the NLC.
He, however, urged the court to enter the settlement as the consent judgment of the court to mark the end of the 12-year dispute that has affected the Union.
“I am glad to inform the court that the terms of settlement are ready and I urged the court to enter same as the consent judgment of the court.
“It will be on record that, these terms of settlement will resolve a 12-year dispute that has affected the progress of the Union,’’ he said.
Similarly, the counsel to the defendant, Mr Anthony Itedjere, confirmed that the parties in dispute had reached an amicable settlement and urged the court to enter consent judgment.
The parties agreed to amend the constitution of the Union within two years to meet the yearnings of its members.
Also contained in the terms of settlement is the agreement that the NLC should organise a special congress for the union to reunite all its members.
Mrs Lucy Offiong, the representative of the NLC in court, thanked the court for the opportunity given to the leadership of the congress to settle the matter.
While entering the consent judgment, Justice Adejumo enjoined the NLC to always encourage harmony among its members to avoid litigation.
“The terms of settlement are hereby entered as the final consent judgment of this court and it is binding on the parties.
The judge ruled “Parties are hereby ordered to abide by it in full.’’
The Tide  learnt that  when the case came up for hearing in January, Justice Babatunde Adejumo had urged the NLC to make effort to resolve the dispute.