Once again, the fight between the Federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has favoured the striking union, with the federal government’s democratic move to obtain a court order directing the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its ongoing strike, suffered a setback on Friday, September 16, as the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) refused to hear whatever the federal government wants to say.
If you recall, we shared here that the Federal government has disclosed that they’ll be taking ASUU to court over their refusal to negotiate and resume full academic activities after 6 months of industrial strike that is still active. The court had on Monday, September 12, adjourned the matter to September 16 for further mention.
On Friday, September 16, the date that the court decided to hear the federal government case, the federal government through its counsel, James Igwe, did his possible best in persuading the court to hear its interlocutory application, claiming that the strike action taken by ASUU has left millions of Nigerian students at home since February 14.
The Federal Government counsel, James Igwe said;
“Section 47 of the Trade Dispute Act gives your lordship, the power to direct that no worker should continue to embark on strike pending when the applications are heard and determined.”
However, speaking on behalf of the striking union, renowned and distinguished Lawyer, Femi Falana representing ASUU, kicked against the application submitted by Igwe.
Femi Falana went on to disclose that his clients will be meeting with stakeholders, including members of the house of representatives on September 20, to settle the issue.
Ruling on the case, Justice Polycarp Hamman said he would not hear the application since the matter was slated for further hearing between ASUU and members of the federal government, where there’s a promise to resolve the issue between both parties.
Justice Polycarp Hamman also said the application for an interlocutory injunction, which has an affidavit of urgency, would be heard first at the next sitting.
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