By that instruction, it was not expected to meet with the Governors. It was enough to deliver it on the scheduled date and no more. In any case, after that submission of letters, there has been no more action. JUSUN is waiting for answer and has vowed not to resume until its will is achieved.
That should be the proper thing if the union wants to maintain a public credibility that it nearly threw away when some of the branches, especially Lagos threatened to go back on the premise that Government in the state had furnished consideration by implementing the charge which was a ruse.
This strike is a litmus test of the strength of the Bar and we must not spurn it. We have told the world and acted our support for the strike by hitting the streets. God forbid that lawyers become helpless. Governors have promised to find a/some formula(e) for the implementation of the autonomy in May. But it appears nothing is happening. Typically Nigerian, some events will overtake it and we will be begging JUSUN to retreat.
I hereby suggest the following:
1. It was time we make statement of renewal of our support for the strike and issue attainable threat.
2. We have lost much as professionals and it will be most unfortunate if we bowed at this stage. I think it is proper to go headlong by threatening not to go to court if the autonomy is not implemented. That is the support and moral booster to JUSUN.
3. We should educate the people on the situation by way of paid advertorial in newspapers, leaflets and a scheduled meeting with the litigating public by all branches in front of the courthouses which will be well announced.
4. The ultimate threat will be that since Government is unable to implement and observe constitutional provisions for over 20 years even after judgments of court, we are entitled to pass a vote-of-no-confidence on it and we will be inclined to do so upon the expiration of an ultimatum.
5. Finally, the ultimatum will be activated by formal calls to countries and international institutions, particularly the United Nations to conduct appropriate referendum to end the government forthwith after detailing the unprecedented violations of the time-honoured concept of the Rule of Law.
6. In the implementation of these few stages, our seriousness should reflect in organisation and dedication. For instance, the leadership need not hide under papers. We may have to call press conferences including world press conference. And we must sensitise the members and seek proper approval by convoking an emergency e-NEC meeting.
7. In the meantime, Governor Okowa has announced the readiness of Delta State to implement the autonomy. It is proper to assess the content and context of the implementation and if it is real, we should give kudos and call others to comply.
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