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The National Industrial Court, convening in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, has issued a fresh injunction, preventing organized labor from initiating any further industrial actions within the state until the final decision on the core lawsuit is reached.
Justice Nelson Ogbuanya issued this order on Friday after reviewing the arguments presented by the legal representatives of both parties, who were unable to come to a resolution for their dispute.
The defendants in this case include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), its Secretary-General Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and its Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro.
In suit No NICN/OW/41/2023, the claimants are the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government.
The court, in considering the application for an interlocutory injunction by the claimants and after hearing the arguments from both legal teams, has scheduled November 30, 2023, for the official ruling.
The court emphasized its responsibility to prevent labor disputes and related conflicts from escalating and causing harm to the interests and well-being of the citizens and third parties not involved in the labor dispute that is already submitted for adjudication in the ongoing court case.
As a result, the parties are required to maintain peace until the next adjourned date. The judge has granted an injunction restraining the defendants from engaging in or organizing any strikes or industrial actions in Imo State until the ruling on the motion for an interlocutory injunction, which has been heard and argued by both legal teams.
The court has instructed all parties to be aware of the repercussions of disregarding the existing court order in the ongoing lawsuit, in accordance with the provisions of Order 63, Rule 4 of the court’s rules.
The matter has been adjourned to November 30, 2023, for the official ruling on the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
