Striking judiciary workers shut down courts in Plateau

All courts in Plateau state have been shut down by the striking Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

The state chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Philip Longji, said the union is embarking on indefinite nationwide strike, as a result of non implementation of their financial autonomy by state governors.

Our correspondent reports that the leadership of the union ransacked working staff and sealed off all entrances into state and federal courts in the state.

Comrade Longji said: “What necessitated the closure of courts today emanated from the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held on 13th Match, 2021.

“The resolution was in respect of the financial autonomy, of the Executive Order 10 signed by Mr. President which said the legislature and judiciary should have their own financial autonomy.”

Comrade Longji said the non-implementation of the Executive Order by state government has made them to embark on the indefinite strike.

“It is an indefinite strike, because it has been pending,” he asserted.

Longji said if the judiciary is truly one of the three arms of government, they should be given their autonomy.

“We are talking justice, not politics. We want the authority concerned to implement the Executive order 10 signed by the president, granting financial autonomy of the judiciary,” he said.

Comrade Longji added that section 121 (1) of the Constitution of Nigeria says it is the right of the judiciary to have its financial autonomy.