The National Industrial Court has advised the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and the union of its workers, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), to resolve their dispute amicably.
Although the matter came up yesterday for hearing the motion on notice before Justice Ibrahim Galadima, it could not proceed.
When the matter was called, the claimant’s counsel, Mr. Abdul Ibrahim (SAN), informed the court that he received a notice of preliminary objection from the defendant on Monday around 5:30 p.m.
The lawyer said because he was served just the previous day, he had not responded to it, though he intended to do since he still had some time to reply.
The defense counsel, Mr. G. C. Ugwunweze, submitted that he was briefed at the weekend by his client and that the only work day he had to file the processes was on Monday.
The court, after listening to submissions of counsel, ruled that the earlier order subsist and urged parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The court also held that whereas the defendant had the right to embark on strike, it must be done under the ambiance of the law.
It then adjourned the matter till December 12 for a hearing while encouraging the parties to resolve their dispute amicably.
