Femi Falana, a well-known human rights attorney, has insisted that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate organisations are free to carry out their planned protest and strike actions.

The attorney claims that the activity does not constitute contempt of court.

His remarks were included in a letter from the Falana Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, signed by Sam Ogala, and addressed to the permanent secretary/solicitor-general, Federal Ministry of Justice, with the subject line “Re- NLC in contempt of Court.”

He claimed that the choice of Nigerian workers to take part in nonviolent protests was made in the national interest and as a means of denouncing the country’s escalating economic crisis.

“You were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt.

“Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex-parte order of the National Industrial Court.

“And to the effect that ‘the defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5’.