The Legal Advisor of the Federal Government (FG) and Minister of Jurisprudence, Lateef Fagbemi, has implored the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to defer its envisaged nationwide demonstration. In correspondence directed to the legal representative of the NLC, Femi Falana, the Legal Advisor accentuated the existence of a prevailing edict enjoining the union from partaking in any manner of industrial action.
The Legal Advisor underscored that the contentions raised by the NLC are presently subject to judicial scrutiny before the National Industrial Court. He cautioned that the pursuit of public demonstrations on these matters would manifest a grave challenge to the judicial mechanism and subvert the sanctity of court mandates.
Furthermore, the Legal Advisor emphasized that the proposed nationwide demonstration explicitly contravenes the provisional restraining order decreed by the court. He observed that resorting to such measures would not only transgress legal restraints but also disrupt public services and security.
In addressing the apprehensions of the NLC, the Legal Advisor acknowledged that the Federal Government has made substantive advancements in addressing the stipulations delineated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) brokered with the union. He beseeched Falana to counsel his clients against embarking on the proposed demonstrations, accentuating the significance of upholding legal principles and honoring court decrees.
The Legal Advisor’s intervention arises amidst escalating tensions surrounding the NLC’s proclamation of a nationwide demonstration scheduled for February 27 and 28. The union has articulated its intention to orchestrate the protests in reaction to the prevalent economic tribulations besetting the nation.
In imploring the NLC to reconsider its position, the Legal Advisor accentuated the imperative of constructive discourse and adherence to juridical frameworks in addressing grievances. He entreated both factions to accord precedence to dialogue and abstain from actions that could undermine the nation’s equilibrium and legal integrity.
The missive from the Legal Advisor serves as a poignant reminder of the primacy of upholding legal processes and honoring judicial pronouncements in resolving conflicts. It underscores the import of fostering an amenable milieu for peaceful and lawful articulations of dissent while safeguarding the integrity of the judicial apparatus.
