All court activities in Osun State have been grounded following an indefinite industrial action embarked on by members of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.
The Strike was sanctioned by the National Executive of the union upon expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given to the government on full implementation of judicial autonomy in the country.
Led by its chairman, Gbenga Eludire, the State executive of the Union on Tuesday was at the Federal High and State High Courts as well as the Industrial Court in Osogbo to effect the Industrial action.
Addressing the judicial staff, Eludire averred that all forms of criminal activities in Nigeria today were as a result of neglect of the judiciary, hence the need for the full implementation of its autonomy.
“On the 13 of March this year, an agreement was unanimously made on 21 day ultimatum and it expired on the 5th of April which incidentally was Easter Monday. That is why the strike starts today.
“As a result, all courts remain closed whether special or usual court, the strike is total and indefinite strike”, Eludire stated.
He stressed that all regular and special courts in the State remain closed as directed by the national executive of the Union just as he urged all members to steer clear work as JUSUN would not take it lying down with any erring members.
He disclosed that no state executive of JUSUN has the right to negotiate with any State government except on the directive of the national.
“No state has the right to negotiate with the state government except the directive comes from the national.
“I want to enjoined all members to stay away from office. The union will not take it easy with members who violate this order, he said.
Reacting on the development, Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Femi Akande said the state government was ready to negotiate with the union, saying the Governor places premium on welfare of workers including members of the judiciary.
He urged members of the public to bear with the government as efforts to resolve the issue, even though national, would be fast tracked.
