NUT takes legal action against El Rufai, three others

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Kaduna chapter, has taken legal action against Governor Nasir El Rufai in the National Industrial Court, over alleged interference in its affairs.

Joined in the suit as co-defendants are the Attorney General of the State, State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

When the matter came up before Justice Ayodele Obaseki-Osaghae, the claimant’s counsel, Samuel Atung informed the court that they had served process on the defendants.

The court hinted that instead of taking them one after the other, they will be taken together and said, “this is a new matter that came up for mention for the first time.

“Having been mentioned, it is adjourned until Oct. 7 for hearing.

“Hearing notices are to be issued and served on the first, second and third defendants”, the judge concluded.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the claimant from its motion on notice is seeking for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants whether acting by themselves, officers, agents, or servants from acting on the report of PKF Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers appointed by them to review the financial statement of the NUT, Kaduna State chapter.

NAN also reports that the claimant in addition is seeking for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from prosecuting and interfering with the officials and management of the Endwell Scheme of the claimant.

Another order as sought by the claimant is an order directing the defendants to continue to deduct from the salary of its members union dues and remitting same to the claimant pending the determination of the substantive originating summons.

In the affidavit supporting the originating summons, it alleged that it is only Registrar of Trade Unions that could order investigation audit, probe into finances/accounts, commence criminal prosecution or civil action to recover any funds misappropriated, and not the defendants.

NAN.