The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday directed the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities to resolve their dispute amicably out of court.
The court suggested 24 hours for the two parties to have a rethink, sit down and come out with a resolution that would make Nigerians happy.
Justice Georgewill Abraham gave the directive when the Federal Government and ASUU appeared for a hearing in the appeal instituted by ASUU against the judgment of the National Industrial Court.
Justice Abraham tasked counsel for the Federal Government, James Igwe (SAN), and that of ASUU, Femi Falana (SAN), to first sit down as lawyers, take patriotic positions and convey the position to their clients.
The judge said, “There is time for everything, time for war and time for peace. As ministers in the temple of justice, we want to see the two of you, senior lawyers, encourage and explore an amicable settlement of this dispute.
“We expect to return to this court on Thursday with the good news that the dispute has been thrashed out and all the appreciation of Nigerians will go to you.
“So, talk to your clients to consider the interest of the nation for the sake of our children. As you leave here, go and sit down and talk and resolve the matter.”
Igwe thanked the judge for the admonitions and promised to look into the advice with his colleague.
Falana said he had initiated something similar and would be happy to do more on the way out of the strike.
He, however, restated that the amicable resolution of the matter would involve give and take from the two parties.
Meanwhile, the court presided over by Justice Barka Akawu has fixed October 6 for a hearing in a motion filed by ASUU for a stay of execution of the judgment of the industrial court which ordered the striking lecturers to go and resume work pending the resolution of their dispute with the Federal Government.
During the Wednesday proceedings, Falana had sought to move the motion but the Federal Government lawyer objected on the ground that he had not been served with the motion dated September 28.
The record of the court, however, revealed that the motion was served on the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. (Text from Punch)
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