Dear Colleagues,
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday, 8th April, 2021 played host to the National Leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) at the NBA Headquarters in Abuja who came to officially communicate the circumstances leading to the Union's ongoing strike action, as well as to seek the support of the NBA.
At the meeting, the 1st Vice President, John Aikpokpo-Martins welcomed the delegation and decried the failure of the State goverments to comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Executive Order, No. 10 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 20th of May, 2020 to enforce the autonomy of State Judiciaries. He however reiterated the position of the NBA as contained in its Press Release of the 5th day of April 2021, that the timing of the strike action was rather inauspicious.
He further pleaded with the Union to consider calling off the strike for its members in the federal judiciary (since the Federal Government has complied with the constitutional provisions on Judicial autonomy), as well as in the States which have given effect to the provisions of the Constitution.
In his response, the Spokesman of JUSUN, Comrade Jimoh Musa, expressed the Union's dissatisfaction with the NBA's historical apathy to the autonomy of the Judiciary which left the Union with the unfortunate option of shutting down the Courts. He however expressed the hope that the current administration will approach things differently.
Comrade Musa also bemoaned the failure of the government to enforce its previous undertakings with the Union and underscored the Union's resolve not to call off the strike, until all its demands are met. On the proposition to call off the strike for the federal judiciary, Musa stated that such a step would be a recipe for division within the Union, as solidarity was at the core of the struggle. He however promised to table the proposal before the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for consideration. He thereafter sought the support of the NBA in charting a new course for the Judiciary towards ensuring its independence.
The Union also intimated the leadership of the NBA of its proposed meeting with the Nigerian Governors' Forum and sought the participation and cooperation of the NBA with a view of getting a better and more sustainable outcome.
The JUSUN team comprised of the General Secretary-Isaiah Adetola, Deputy National President - Emmanuel Abioye, and National Vice President - Laminu Mustapha while the other members of the NBA team that hosted the Union were the National Welfare Secretary- Kunle Edun, NBA Bwari Branch Chairman- Clement Chukwuemeka and NBA Gwagwalada Branch Chairman - Isah Aliyu.
Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association.
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