Nationwide Protest: FG Tackles Falana For Backing NLC

The Federal Government has tackled the law firm of human rights lawyer Femi Falana for supporting the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Naija News gathered that the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, in a letter addressed to one Sam Ogala of Falana’s Chamber, said the chamber should educate the labour union on such issues rather than support them.

The letter sighted on Monday said a subsisting interim order restraining NLC from embarking on any industrial action remains in place.

The federal government’s reaction follows the stand by Ogala of the Falana’s Chamber about the protest of the NLC.

Ogala, in a letter dated July 28, 2023, had stated that the right to peaceful protest had not been removed from the constitution; therefore, the NLC had right to hold a peaceful protest to express its displeasure about what it described as unfavourable policies of the new Bola Tinubu administration.

The FG in the letter said, “We reiterate that the interim order clearly restrained NLC from embarking on industrial action of any nature. It is common knowledge that a strike is only a form of industrial action. NLC has expressed intention to embark on nationwide action to force the government (employer) to agree to its demands.

“From the communique, it is apparent that the current move by NLC goes beyond peaceful protest by issuing a seven-day ultimatum for government to meet its demands and also embark on a nationwide action to compel the government to reverse alleged anti-worker policies.

“Furthermore, uncontroverted media reports have established that NLC is not planning a peaceful protest but intends to ground the government by endangering public peace, instilling fear in the masses, and precipitating a further crisis.

“It is incumbent on your law firm to sensitise the labour unions that peaceful protests are no justification for disrupting or shutting down essential services, which is tantamount to strike action. Based on the foregoing, you may wish to advise your clients accordingly.”