The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly for granting financial autonomy to state Judiciary.
National President of JUSUN, Marwan Mustapha Adamu, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, said this should translate into improved welfare for his members whose take home pay is nothing to write home about.
He said the new law would also ensure the smooth running of the justice system in the country.
According to the union leader, Sections 81(3), 121(3) and 162(9) of the 1999 Constitution spelt out the autonomy of the judiciary, regretted that the executive arms of government particularly at state level however refused to comply.
“The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria welcomes with great joy the news of the new law that deepens the financial autonomy of the judiciary and legislative arms of government.
“Our position has always been that Sections 81(3), 121(3) and 162(9) of the 1999 Constitution have spelt out the autonomy of the judiciary but that what was missing was the will of the executive arm of government, particularly at state levels to comply.
“But it is heartwarming that the fourth alteration to the Constitution signed by President Muhammadu Buhari last week has deepened the financial autonomy and the independence of the judiciary by removingthe hands of the executive arm of government completely from the financial affairs.
He said, with the alteration to the Constitution, funds due to the judiciary and the legislature of the various states will now be directly paid tothem from the Federation Account.
Speaking on the dilapidated nature of court rooms in the country, Marwan urged heads of court to ensure such trends are addressed to ensure conducive working environment for his members.