The National Industrial Court in Owerri issued a new interim injunction, restraining organized labor from engaging in any strikes within Imo state until further notice. The court emphasized that disobedience to this order would have consequences.
Justice N.C.S. Ogbuanya issued this order last Friday after hearing arguments from both parties, as they had not reached a settlement on their dispute. The defendants in this case are the Nigeria Labour Congress, represented by Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja as the secretary-general, and the Trade Union Congress, with Comrade Nuhu Toro as its secretary-general.
This legal action, identified as suit No NICN/OW/41/2023, involves the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government as the claimants.
The court highlighted its responsibility to prevent labor disputes from escalating and harming the interests and well-being of the general public and unrelated third parties. Therefore, it urged the parties to maintain peace until the next adjourned date.
The court also warned the parties to be mindful of the consequences of disobeying the existing court order in the ongoing suit. Consequently, the current strike in Imo state, particularly by a faction of labor, including the EEDC, is deemed illegal.
The court scheduled the ruling on the interlocutory injunction filed by the claimants for November 30, 2023.
