ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has informed the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, that no court order exists that restrains Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies.
This statement comes in response to allegations that the NLC was in contempt of court over its planned protest on August 2, 2023.
The protest is against the removal of petrol subsidy, highlighting the resultant hardship on Nigerians and the government’s failure to provide palliatives to ease the effects of the subsidy termination.
In a letter from the Falana Chambers signed by Sam Ogala Esq., the NLC emphasized that the right to demonstrate and protest on matters of public concern is a right that must be exercised without impediment.
The letter stated that neither the National Industrial Court nor any other court had granted an order restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies.
The Labour Centre cited legal precedents, including the case of Inspector-General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party (2008), where the court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit.
The judgement underlined that as long as no wrongful act is committed, the right to demonstrate must not be impeded.
The NLC’s letter serves as a strong rebuttal to accusations of contempt and makes it clear that the organization views the peaceful rallies as an exercise of democratic rights.
The union also urged the Solicitor-General to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force complies with the relevant sections of the Police Establishment Act 2020, which mandates the provision of security cover for such public meetings.
The stand taken by the Nigerian Labour Congress highlights the delicate balance between the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order and the citizens’ rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
The planned protest on August 2, 2023, is expected to proceed, with the Nigerian Labour Congress insisting on the legality of its actions.
This situation will require careful handling by both sides to prevent any escalation, particularly given the heightened economic tensions in the country.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the NLC’s position, and whether a peaceful resolution can be found that respects both the rule of law and the democratic rights of the Nigerian people.
