Court recommends out-of-court settlement for FG, ASUU

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday challenged the Federal Government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities to resolve their dispute amicably out of court.

The Appellate Court suggested twenty-four hours for the two parties to have a rethink, sit down and come out with a resolution that would make Nigerians happy.

Justice Georgewill Biobele Abraham threw the challenge when the Federal Government and ASUU appear before for a hearing in the appeal instituted by ASUU against the judgment of the National Industrial Court.

Specifically, Justice Georgewill tasked counsel to the Federal Government, James Igwe (SAN) and that of ASUU, Femi Falana (SAN), to first sit down as lawyers, take a patriotic position 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 as senior lawyers encourage and explore amicable settlement of this dispute.

“In fact, 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 take the interest of the nation into consideration for the sake of our children. As you leave here, go and sit down and talk and resolve the matter.”

Counsel to the Federal Government, James Igwe thanked the Justices for the admonitions and promised to look into the counseling with his colleague. Punch