*Trial begins June 19
By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE
Lagos – The National Industrial Court, NIC, Lagos Division, yesterday ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the Medical Guild against the Lagos State Government.
Delivering ruling on a preliminary objection filed by the state government challenging the court's jurisdiction, Justice Benedict Kanyip said the subject-matter of the suit centred on industrial disputes.
According to him, "the jurisdiction of this court lies in the National Industrial Court Act and Section 245(c) of the 1999 Constitution that allows it to adjudicate on labour matters related to wages, strike or dispute between employers and employees." Kanyip ruled that although the Medical Guild was not a registered trade union as claimed by the government, it was too late in the day for them to say so as they had always dealt with it as a body.
The judge said even if the Medical Guild had failed as a juristic body that could sue, the two doctors who had sued on behalf of the guild could sue because they were persons who were allowed by law to do so.
Justice Kanyip said, "I am of the view that the suit is suitable and can be sustained, whether it succeeds comes after we go into the merit of the case. I think that justice of this court will give the parties the opportunity to hear this matter not to shut out the claimants as requested by the respondents.
"I hereby hold that the suit is competent and that the court has the jurisdiction to hear the case. The objection is dismissed and no cost is awarded to the claimants." He adjourned the case to June 19, for trial.
Vanguard Nigeria