Judiciary workers in Nigeria are intensifying their demand for financial autonomy, with a plan by autonomy the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to embark on  a nationwide peaceful protest on April 19.

Deputy Secretary of the Union, Mr P. Nnamani, who made this known in a circular issued today by JUSUN, explained that the strike became inevitable due to  failure by government to meet its demands.

The union urged its members to remain resolute in pushing home JUSUN’s demand for financial autonomy for the judiciary despite spite of pressures.

This is two full weeks since the union embarked upon a nationwide industrial action on April 6, calling for implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.

Supreme-Court-of-Nigeria …no activity due to ongoing strike

The Nigerian Government Monday appealed to the judiciary workers to suspend their nationwide industrial action, which has crippled activities in the nation’s courts.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who conveyed government’s appeal during a conciliation meeting  JUSUN leaders in Abuja, noted that judicial workers, doctors and nurses belonged the category of employees whose duties were so essential duties that  strike action should never be contemplated.

The Labour minister said: “You are important people and that is why we waited to see if there could be  an in-house conciliation with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) but since progress was not made, we decided to exercise our mandate here  as  Ministry of  Labour and Employment.

“Grant us peace and we are going to handle this matter in a way that doesn’t lose sight of what you are pursuing. I will do a report on this meeting and forward to the President when returns.

“I will make a commitment here. The Executive Order 10 and its application, granting autonomy to the Judiciary which is topmost on your demand will be tackled because it is a constitutional issue. Even Governors owe their office to the constitution. You don’t pick and choose what to obey. However, we must handle this matter with maturity and utmost patriotism.”

A copy of the JUSUN’s circular, as seen by our correspondent,  however said: “Further be informed that following an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of JUSUN on the April 15, 2021, it is agreed that the union will organise a peaceful protest in the Federal Capital, which will  be replicated in the 36 state Capitals in furtherance of our agitations, from April 19, 2021.

“Please note that if in case there are any invitations for negotiations/talks, you should promptly inform the National Headquarters for guidelines and representations to avoid disorder in presentation of facts.”