The federal government has informed the National Industrial Court of its decision to formally react to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)’s request for arbitration by May 11.
ASUU filed the suit against the minister of labour and employment and the registrar of trade unions.
The suit is challenging the alleged threat by the federal government to withdraw ASUU’S certificate of registration for not rendering annual financial returns and audited accounts for almost 10 years.
During the sitting on Tuesday, ASUU’s counsel, Marshal Abubakar, holding the brief of Femi Falana, informed the court that he filed a motion for the matter to be referred to the alternative dispute resolution centre of the court.
J.U.K Igwe, representing the federal government, said he had received the application. He added that aside from the application, he would need to consult with his clients to know their decision concerning the referral to ADR.
The judge, Benedict Kanyip, therefore, adjourned the matter until Wednesday (today).
On Wednesday, Mr Igwe informed the court that he did not get ASUU’s application until shortly before the proceeding and sought an adjournment to enable him to react formally to the application by ASUU, asking for mediation at the ADR.
The counsel further stated that he also needed to file other applications, having seen ASUU as agreeing to go to the ADR would entail delving into legal technicalities.
The judge said the matter was adjourned until Wednesday because Mr Igwe said he would consult with his clients and not react formally to ASUU’s application.
The judge also stated that he could refer the parties to ADR as the centre cannot compel anyone to agree or accept issues mediated upon.
When Mr Abubakar did not object to Mr Igwe’s application for adjournment to react to their request, the court ruled that the case was adjourned until May 11 to hear the motion of arbitration.