The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ruled that Comrade John Odah be reinstated immediately to his post as General Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC.But in its verdict on the protracted tussle “in the interest of peace and harmony in the trade union movement”, the court also ruled that Odah will upon resumption of office serve a three month notice of his voluntary retirement.
“In the interest of peace and harmony in the trade union movement, the 1st Defendant, shall not later than 31 st January, 2013 by a letter under the hand of the 2nd Defendant withdraw the letter dated 24th May, 2011 terminating the appointment of the Claimant and immediately recall- and reinstate the Claimant to his office as General Secretary of the 1st Defendant with full rights, benefits, and privileges appertaining to the said office from June, 2011 up to the time of reinstatement and ultimate disengagement less any outstanding indebtedness the particulars of which are set out in the attached schedule.
“ Accordingly, the Claimant is deemed to have maintained unbroken record of service with the 1st Defendant since his employment in 1987 until his ultimate disengagement as hereinafter provided. For the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of the Claimant as General Secretary of the 1st Defendant is deemed not to have been terminated at any point in time.
“The Claimant shall resume office as General Secretary of the 1st Defendant and shall be given befitting welcome by Congress with wide publicity. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 above, the Claimant shall on the same day of resumption in office as the General Secretary of the 1st Defendant deliver to the 1st Defendant through the 2nd Defendant or any officer of the 1st Defendant designated for the purpose his written three (3) Months Notice of his voluntary retirement from the services of the 1st Defendant and on the same day proceed or deemed to have proceeded on retirement leave.
