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By Gabriel Dike
The Federal Ministry Justice has dropped contempt charges against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for embarking on rally/protest against the removal of fuel subsidy and attendant increase in pump price of petrol.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja had barred the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on industrial action over the issue.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Justice had filed contempt case against NLC and TUC for resisting an order stopping to embarking on an industrial action.
President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, who appeared on a television programme, yesterday, said the decision to drop the contempt charge was based on the ultimatum the union issued the Federal Government to withdraw the case.
Ajaero said the Solicitor General sent the contempt letter to the congress and the National Executive Council (NEC) met and gave the government two weeks ultimatum to withdraw the case.
“The Ministry of Justice has dropped the contempt proceeding against NLC. NEC was shocked that the Industrial Court granted the government the request. Rally/protest is not the same thing as strike,” he said.
He said the senate has invited NLC to continue discussions on the fuel subsidy removal and increase in cost of petrol.
“We received letter of invitation from the Senate for a meeting today (Tuesday). Every agreement reached with government must be kept.”
