SQUIB EDITORIAL: THE PAINS, THE GAINS AS JUSUN SUSPENDS STRIKE

 

THE SQUIB is seized of the suspension of the indefinite strike action of the  Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, has suspended its two months strike.

THE SQUIB is seized that the decision was taken by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Union at its emergency meeting today , Wednesday, June 9, 2021

We are also aware that the suspension shall take effect from Monday 14th June, 2021 and all Judiciary workers are expected to resume office that day.

 

THE SQUIB is aware that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had, at a meeting with JUSUN leaders on Tuesday, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad in attendance, urged the striking court workers to put an end to the industrial action in the interest of the country and the suffering court users.

We recall  that JUSUN had embarked on an indefinite strike which led to the closure of Courts since April 6, 2021.

THE SQUIB urge its readers to recall that JUSUN  is demanding amongst other things, financial autonomy for the judiciary in the light of Sections 81 and 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and decisions of Federal High Courts to the effect that all funds due to the judiciary from the Consolidated Revenue Fund shall be paid directly to the Heads of the Courts concerned. A subsequent Executive Order was issued by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari “Implementation of financial Autonomy of States Legislature and State Judiciary” on 20th May 2020, yet some State Governors have failed to implement this fundamental provision of the Law.

THE SQUIB is also aware of the fact that a 5-man Committee of the National Judicial Council has been set up to monitor compliance of the 36 States' Governors with the agreed template of Judicial autonomy.

In assessing the strike , THE SQUIB acknowledges the pains that lawyers and the litigating public went through during the period of the strike as well as the members of the Union.

THE SQUIB is of the view that there is no gain without pain and indeed struggle pays . What JUSUN national leadership has demonstrated is unusual vibrant and vigorous trade unionism .

This must be commended in all ramifications.