By Gbenga Abulude (Politics & General Desk)
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan has issued a directive, asking all federal civil servants on Salary Grade Level 12 and above to shun the industrial action declared by the labour unions.
She also ordered those on essential services to be at work on Monday, Sept 28.
Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had jointly declared their readiness to embark on a nationwide strike to compel the Federal Government to reverse the recent hikes in electricity tariffs and petrol pump price.
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Despite two court orders restraining the NLC and the TUC from going ahead on the planned nationwide strike on Monday, the two labour unions have said they will go ahead with the protest.
But the Head of the Civil Service, Yemi-Esan, in a circular dated September 25, 2020, urged the civil servants to defy labour union directive and report to work.
The circular which was addressed to all ministers, permanent secretaries, as well as heads of government’s agencies and parastatals, was titled “The Nigerian labour unions planned industrial action.
The statement read, “Sequel to the call by the labour unions for workers to embark on industrial action from Monday, September 28, 2020, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation wishes to inform all public servants that the Federal Government team is currently engaging with the labour unions with a view to resolving all contentious issues and avert the planned industrial action.
“Furthermore, it is important to note that there is a court injunction granted by the National Industrial Court (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/253/2020) on September 24, 2020, restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria from embarking on any tom of industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.
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“Accordingly, all officers on Grade Level 12 and above and those on essential services are hereby strongly advised to be at work to perform their official duties.
“Permanent secretaries and chief executive officers are therefore enjoined to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned officers and ensure strict compliance.”
Recall that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had met with the leaders of the NLC and TUC this week but it has proved abortive.
Justice Ibrahim Galadima of the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Friday issued a fresh restraining order against the unions, following an ex parte application by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The fresh order came barely 24 hours after the same judge made a similar restraining ex parte order in favour of a group, Peace and Unity Ambassadors Association, on Thursday.
