Sacked 235 Workers: Court fixes December 7 for adoption of addresses

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has fixed December 7, 2017 for the adoption of written addresses in Suit No: NICN/AWKA/39/2015 filed by the sacked 235 workers against Chevron Nigeria Limited and four of its contracting firms, Fresh Angle International can exclusively report.

Recalled that the sacked 235 workers were employed by Chevron and hand over them to its four contracting firms: JOCECO Nigeria Limited, Pat Onosen Nigeria Enterprises Limited, Sanco Calaya J.V. Nigeria Limited and Hensteel Engr. & Construction Services Limited for payment.

Our Oil and Gas Correspondent who was at Awka, reports that at the resumed hearing Wednesday, October 25, the new Trial Judge, J.I Targema adjourned the case after going through the process regarding issues bothering on jurisdiction.

Justice Targema who raised the issue of jurisdiction, ordered counsel to the claimants, Chief V.E. Otomiewo who was represented by Jarikre Dave to file a new address and serve the defendants, giving them 14days with effect from when they will be served.

The Trial Judge equally demanded that the defendants respond within 14days of receiving the fresh address from the claimants’ Attorney and 7 days afterwards to reply on points of law.

“I have gone through the process, it is my will that we are able to address with speed. Issues bothering on jurisdiction is not clear to me. Based on my understanding, particularly the one filed by the claimants, one grant jurisdiction, the other does not. The court has noted from the process signed by the claimants’ counsel on issue that need to be addressed. The issue on contract of service or contract for service”, Justice Targema noted.

It will be recalled that the former Trial Judge, W. Abali had adjourned till July 17, 2017 for mention.

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