The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reacted to the order by the National Industrial Court asking it to call off its ongoing strike.
Reacting to the judgment, the union said that it will appeal the ruling of the court. Counsel to the union, Femi Falana, disclosed this in an interview with Channels TV.
Following several failed attempts at negotiation, the Federal government through its lead counsel, James Igwe, filed an application for an interlocutory injunction, seeking an order of the court restraining ASUU from further continuing with the strike.
Delivering judgment today, Wednesday, September 21, Justice Polycarp Hamman restrained ASUU from continuing with the industrial action, pending the determination of the suit. He ordered that the case file should be returned to the president of the Industrial Court for reassignment to another judge, as he is a vacation judge. According to the judge, the strike is detrimental to public university students who cannot afford to attend private tertiary institutions.
He added that the Trade Dispute Act mandates workers not to embark on strike once an issue has been referred to the industrial court.
Justice Hamman upheld the application of the government, saying it was meritorious and granted, but refused to fine the government as demanded by ASUU.
Reacting to the development, Falana said the academic union will be appealing the court order.
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