The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied the existence of any court order restraining it from embarking on a nationwide strike.

The NLC asserted its right to protest and emphasised its role as a social partner, not a political entity bound by legal proceedings.

Emmanuel Ugboaja, the general secretary of NLC, made these remarks during an interview on Arise TV.

He condemned the brutal assault on NLC president Joe Ajaero in Imo state, characterising it as a national issue that demands immediate federal intervention.

Ugboaja pointed an accusing finger at the police force, holding them responsible for orchestrating the attack on the workers during a protest in Imo. He lamented the federal government’s failure to acknowledge the NLC as a social partner and engage in dialogue to address the situation.

“We are not politicians that people will challenge to go to court, go to court; it is not about going to court,” Ugboaja declared. “We should have a culture of social dialogue. The ILO, the oldest agency of the United Nations, has always emphasised the importance of open discussions, not beatings, dehumanisation, or threats of legal action.”