Court To Deliver Judgment In FG’s Suit Against ASUU May 30

Published

3 years ago

May 11, 2023

Editor

The National Industrial Court on Thursday fixed May 30 to deliver judgment in the suit filed by the Federal Government against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In the suit, the federal government dragged ASUU before the court to determine the substantive suit filed during the 2022 ASUU’s eight month strike.

When the matter came up before Justice Benedict Kanyip on Thursday, Sen. Ita Enang, the claimants’ counsel informed the court that the matter was slated for adoption of written addresses.

Mr Femi Falana SAN, the defendant counsel on his part however informed the court that he had filed a notice of appeal before Court of Appeal.

Falana stated that he was contesting the ruling of the court of March 28, which ruled that the Minister of Labour and Employment has the power to refer the matter to the National Industrial Court.

He further prayed for stay of execution and the matter be adjourned pending the outcome of Court of Appeal’s decision.

He also submitted that the issue of competence of the appeal was for Court of Appeal to determine as argued by Enang

Enang urged the court to proceed with the matter of the day which was adoption of written addresses.

The court in its ruling stated that time is of essence in delivery of justice.

“It is better to get a bad judgment quickly than a good judgment in delayed time in labour matters”.

The court also ruled that the authorities cited by the defence counsel was not applicable in the extant case.

The court equally cited Rule 47 of NICN 2006 proceeding and stated that an appeal did not translate to stay of execution.

The judge also said that defence had shown lack of seriousness by not filing its defence and instead opted to file application for stay of execution.

The court in addition said that the matter had been slowed down by various applications.

Kanyip further said “the application for stay of execution is rejected and the case will proceed and ruling is entered according”.

The court therefore directed the claimant’s counsel to proceed to adopt his written address.

The counsel in respond urged the court to grant all reliefs sought as the suit was not challenged nor contesting by defence through its failure to file processes of defence.

Falana on his part urged the court to consider its record which had his earlier affidavit filed on Sept. 16,2022

He argued that the affidavit which was not challenged encapsulate his defence.

The court therefore adjourned the matter until May 30, for judgment.

News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the court adjourned until June 21 a sister case where ASUU is the claimant.

ASUU in the suit is seeking the court to order Minister of Labour and Employment to accept its return of annual financial report

The court had to adjourn as the third defendant’s counsel, Mr Alex Akoja informed the court that he just came into the matter.

Akoja therefore prayed for the adjournment to enable him file processes.

NAN also reports that the third suit involving the parties was also adjourned until June 21, for report of settlement/ hearing.

The suit where ASUU is also the claimant has the Minister of Labour and Employment and Registrar Trade Unions as defendants.

Earlier, Falana informed the court that he filed a motion for the matter to be transferred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR) Centre of the court.

Enang however responded that he was contesting the referral as the claimant had admitted to have failed to file its annual financial returns within the stipulated time.

He also withdrew his preliminary objection application premised on lack of jurisdiction.

The court equally granted Falana the leave to move his application for the court to refer the matter to ADR.

The court having granted the application adjourned the matter until June 21, for report of settlement/hearing.
NAN

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.