(NIGERIA) The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) will on Friday, January 2, embark on a nationwide strike. The union, in a statement signed by its National President, Marwan Mustapha Adamu, and National Assistant Secretary, Placidus Nnamani, reiterated its accusation that all the 36 state governors have deliberately resisted the implementation of a Federal High Court judgement to make judiciary funds the first line of charge, thereby frustrating the independence of the judiciary.
The union added that following the failure to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated November 27, which was agreed on following interventions from various quarters, it has decided to proceed on the indefinite strike.
The strike, it added, would continue until there is a total compliance with the judgement of the court and the terms of the MoU.
JUSUN also said that none of the judgement debtors of parties served with the order of the court have appealed against it till date.
The union recalled that it had embarked on strikes at separate times during the year, but had called them off following mediation and interventions from relevant stakeholders including the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Minister of Labour, Principals Officers in the National Assembly, and others.
“...Based on the above, it was concluded that the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) will make deductions during the next FAAC meeting to the National Judicial Council in line with the Court Judgment based on the actual funds released...” the statement read.
It added that by refusing to implement, the judgement debtors (governors) have conspired not to allow a constitutional guarantee and an arm of the government to exercise its due rights.
The union also accused the AGF of having compromised his position, adding, “It is time to free the judiciary from the captive strangulation and imprisonment by the Executive Governors.”
Marwan, speaking with THISDAY in Abuja, said the union has not received any official communication as to why the judgement is not being implemented. He described as an irony, that governors, some of whom are direct beneficiaries of court judgements, would deliberately muzzle the judiciary.
“The courts are very important parts of the electoral process as we prepare for elections early next year. Many politicians have issues in court, but we would remain closed until the governors do what is right and obey the order,” he added.
(REPORT FROM THISDAY)
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