Suspend the ongoing strike, Industrial Court orders PENGASSAN, grants accelerated hearing
By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) Abuja division has granted an order suspending the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Petroleum And Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) pending the hearing and determination of the Motions filed by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (Applicant) in the overall interest of the country.
The presiding judge, Justice Olufunke Anuwe granted the order after hearing a Motion Ex-parte filed by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited as moved and argued.
But after ordering PENGASSAN (Respondent) to suspend the strike in the interim, Justice Anuwe granted an accelerated hearing of the matter, and as well ordered that the order of the Court, the originating processes and the Motion on Notice be immediately serve on the Respondent. The suit was then adjourned to May 5, 2023, for a definite hearing.
Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited through its counsel, Inam Wilson (SAN) had filed a Motion Ex-parte dated April 19, 2023 and sought for an interim order compelling and directing PENGASSAN and its members who are employees of the Applicant to forthwith cease, desist, terminate, or suspend the strike, or industrial action embarked upon by the Respondent in compliance with Section 17(1)(c) of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T18 LFN 2004, pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.
The applicant also asked for an interim order “restraining the respondent, by themselves or through their member, agents, servants, privies, affiliates, or associates, or through any other person(s), howsoever described, from unlawfully embarking on or continuing with any strike or industrial action in any manner whatsoever or howsoever described against the Applicant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed April 20, 2023.”
Ruling on the application after careful perusal of the processes, deposition as contained in the supporting affidavit, exhibits and written address, the Presiding Judge, Justice Anuwe found the said application meritorious and granted the order as prayed.