Tag: JUSUN

…litigants, others sent back from Osogbo courts

Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State branch, on Monday shut the gates of the Osogbo High Court in protest over delayed promotions and failure to sponsor staff for National Judicial Institute (NJI) training.

The action followed a directive from JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Idris Adeniran, who last Friday instructed members to embark on strike after Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Ojo, failed to convene the Judicial Service Commission meeting to address their demands.

JUSUN noted that while other ministries and agencies had received government approval for benefits, their promotions and training remained neglected. The union had earlier issued a September 3 ultimatum demanding action.

On Monday, placard-carrying members blocked both gates of the High Court at Oke-Fia with a motorcycle and a car, vowing not to resume work until their demands are met.

Read Also: Osun APC guber aspirant Babayemi hails Tinubu’s ward-based development initiative

In a joint notice signed by Adeniran and Secretary Comrade Akeem Olaniyan, the union recalled a previous three-month strike in 2023/2024 suspended after a Memorandum of Agreement, lamenting that the Judicial Service Commission had since failed to honour commitments, leaving them with no option but renewed action.

”In light of this development, we are compelled to escalate our industrial action. Accordingly, we hereby direct all members of staff working in the Osun State Judiciary, including Judges’ Drivers, Heads of Department, Heads of Stations, and Coordinating Registrars, to withdraw their services and refrain from reporting to work, effective Monday, September 22, 2025. This industrial action shall continue until our outstanding demands are substantively addressed.”

…demands full financial autonomy for judiciary 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Ondo State has expressed deep concern over the ongoing strike by judiciary workers, warning that the justice system in the state is now at a standstill.

The reaction followed the indefinite strike action declared by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state, which began last week. 

The industrial action is demanding full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary from the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The strike has led to the closure of all courts across the 18 local government areas in the state, including the State High Court and Magistrate Courts, leaving judges, lawyers, and litigants unable to access judicial services.

In a letter addressed to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Friday, the NBA stated that the non-implementation of financial autonomy is affecting the effective delivery of justice and disrupting legal proceedings across the state.

The letter was jointly signed by Onimisi Umar, Chairman, NBA Akure Branch; Omotola Odusola, Chairman, NBA Okitipupa Branch; Henry Akingbesote, Chairman, NBA Ondo Branch; Chief Kunie Ijalana, Chairman, NBA Owo Branch; and Omotan Ogunmodede, Chairman, NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch.

The association urged the state government to act swiftly in resolving the impasse, stressing that the restoration of judicial activities is crucial to upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for the people of Ondo State.

“It is no longer news that all the courts in Ondo State have been under lock and keys since June 13th, 2025, due to the industrial action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Ondo State Chapter.

“It is then, not an overstatement that a government is currently not in place in Ondo State due to the absence and visible collapse of the judiciary, which is the third leg on which the government stands. 

“The visible absence of the judiciary, if not decisively and urgently revived, will precariously precipitate a state of anarchy, disorderliness, abuse of powers, and rising insecurity across the State,” an excerpts from the letter obtained by the Nation read. 

The NBA further highlighted sections 81(3)(c), 121(3) and 162(9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) granting autonomy for the judiciary, noting that state government had fail to comply in such regards for the Independence of the state’s judiciary. 

According to the association, financial autonomy of the judiciary is indispensable for maintaining the independence and impartiality of the judicial system.

It explained that it was disheartening that ‘no fund’ had been released to salvage the current ugly situations in the state judiciary, noting that courts are presently in deplorable condition.

“For instance, the two High Court rooms in Okitipupa Judicial Division that were completely razed during the “EndSARS” protest in 2020 have become a “zoo” and a habitat for snakes, reptiles and other wild animals.

Read Also: JUSUN suspends strike to enable CJN, others intervene

“It is worse that the two judges in the Judicial Division always have to squat in the Magistrates’ courtroom interchangeably before they can sit to attend to cases,” the group added in the letter.  

The NBA observed that the epileptic state of the high courts within the division portrays ‘injustice’ to any innocent mind that will come to seek justice in the court.

It added that the roofing of all the high courts and magistrates in the division is embarrassingly bad and leaking. 

“Whenever it rains, it beats litigants, judges, and lawyers in their robes. The situation is so dreadful that buckets are being supplied to leaky portions of courtrooms to contain the drips of rainwater. 

“Not only that, the furniture of the courtrooms is damaged beyond repair to the extent that lawyers struggle to find a seat before they can present their case. 

“This is the same horrible situation in Owo and Ikare Judicial Divisions. The infrastructure in the Akure Judicial Division is also falling, and most Magistrates do not have courtrooms to sit.”

The association also decried inadequacy of provision for imprest to run the registries across all the judicial divisions in the state. 

“There are no computer gadgets or stationery. Registrars and court clerks take court files to business centres before they can type and process official records of the courts, which are confidential and ought to be kept secret,” it wrote. 

It, however, berated an act of using judiciary for financial gain by the state government.

“It would be pretentious for the Government of Ondo State to claim that the failure to release the monies due to the judiciary is a result of a paucity of funds. 

“This is because all states are enjoying a windfall in the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We further request that the state judiciary be allowed to enjoy its financial autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Supreme Court decision cited above to ensure full judicial independence.

“We believe that this is a responsible and responsive government, which is worth the name “government”, and is not happy that its third arm is missing.”

All efforts to get the reactions of the state commissioner for justice and attorney general Kayode Ajulo proved abortive. 

A text message sent for reaction was yet to be delivered as of press time. 

• Members resume duties today

Striking members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have resolved to suspend their national strike and resume duties today.

They said the decision followed the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CBN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and other stakeholders.

The union had embarked on the strike to demand the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage and its arrears, 25/35 per cent salary increase, and five months’ wage award and arrears.

In a communique issued yesterday in Abuja, the striking court workers also resolved to allow the CJN and other stakeholders to engage with the Federal Government to, within one month, ensure the release of funds to address their grievances.

The communique stated that after long deliberations on issues that led to the declaration of the industrial action on June 2, JUSUN agreed to concede to the interventions of the CJN; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi; the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and other stakeholders.

Read Also: 112 electricity – related deaths in one year, worrisome, says CJN

The union also agreed to give the CJN and other stakeholders in the Justice sector one month to engage with the Federal Government to ensure the release of funds to the Judiciary.

The striking court workers resolved that upon the release of the funds, their demands should be implemented immediately.

The communique added that consequent upon the commitment of the CJN, the union and its organs, after due consideration, agreed to suspend the strike immediately.

Striking members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have resolved to resume duties on Wednesday.

They took the decision after the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CBN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and other stakeholders.

In a communique issued on Tuesday, the striking court workers also resolved to allow the CJN and the stakeholders to engage with the Federal Government to, within one month, ensure the release of funds to address their grievances.

The communique said after long deliberations on issues that led to the declaration of the industrial action on June 2 JUSUN agreed to concede to the intervention of CJN, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other stakeholders.

JUSUN also agreed to give the CJN and other relevant stakeholders one month within which to engage with the federal government to ensure the release of funds to the Judiciary.

The striking court workers resolved that upon the release of the funds, the demands by JUSUN should be implemented immediately.

Read Also: JUST IN: JUSUN ends three-month strike in Abia

The communique added that consequently, upon the commitment of the CJN, JUSUN and organs, after due consideration, agreed to suspend the strike immediately.

JUSUN subsequently directed its members to resume work on Wednesday.

JUSUN’s demands include the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage and its arrears, 25/35 percent salary increase and a month’s wage award and arrears.

The Federal High Court (FHC) Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), on Monday, locked out judges, lawyers, staff and litigants from accessing the court following the indefinite strike declared by its national body.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the FHC headquarters located along Shehu Shagari Way in Abuja revealed that all the entrance gates into the high-rise building were under lock.

Judges, staff, lawyers, litigants and members of the public were denied access as business activities in and around the court were paralysed.

NAN reports that JUSUN national body had, on May 30 in a circular by its acting National Secretary, M.J Akwashiki, asked all its chapters’ chairmen to effective from midnight Sunday, June 1, direct all their members to stay at home.

Read Also: JUST IN: Anambra judiciary workers suspend indefinite strike

It said that, “This directive follows unfruitful meetings in the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment who was conciliating on our matter.

“We believe that as directed by the organs of the union, National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of our great union, the action will continue until further notice.

“Our demands are for the government to pay us 5 months wage award, implement the %70.000 National Minimum Wage, as well as the 25/35 percent salary increase Solidarity for ever.”

Efforts to have a chat with some of the executive members of the union were unsuccessful as they were said to be on meeting.

Although there were reports that some chapters of the union had backed out from the industrial action, as at 9:48am, the Federal High Court gates were still under lock and keys.

(NAN)

…as recipients burst into tears

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has recognised a gateman and several other less privileged staff members in Anambra state for their exceptional dedication to duty.

During an emotional award ceremony held Monday at the Judiciary headquarters in Awka, 11 staff members—drawn from 10 JUSUN divisions across various local governments and the state headquarters—were honoured with plaques. 

Tears of joy flowed as recipients, including the gateman, Mr. Ndulue Raymond from Onitsha North division, and Mrs. Nkwonta Vivian of Nnewi Customary Court, stepped forward to accept their awards.

The event, attended by over 500 members from urban and rural areas, also marked JUSUN’s final Congress for 2024, where union challenges were discussed.

Read Also: JUSUN lauds Tinubu for okaying 300% pay rise for judicial officers

Speaking with The Nation, JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke, explained that the awardees were selected for their obedience to authority, punctuality, and dedication. Their colleagues monitored and nominated them anonymously.

“This annual award tradition was introduced by our pioneer chairman, Comrade Basil Mbanefo. It’s a way to encourage excellence, and any deserving staff can be chosen,” Ezeoke said.

For the awardees, the recognition is a motivation to set even higher standards in their roles.

Ndulue said: “I cried because I never planned for the Award. Look at me, my duty is to open and close gate for the Judges. I’ve worked for over 20 years now as a gateman.”

For Vivian Nkwonta: “It was a shock to me when my name was announced, all thanks to God. I always report to my office early everyday, maybe, it was the reason (weeps).”

• Union trains 100 members in ICT digital skills

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has said the Federal Government’s policy of digitalising the Judiciary will ensure a great future for the sector.

The union said this as 100 of its members began a week-long digital skills training in Abuja.

The union said the training would equip the members with vital information and communication technology (ICT) skills.

The five-day training, called Digital Skills, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technology (DiSCET), will focus on equipping judiciary workers with skills in cybersecurity and other emerging technologies. The selected 100 participants are from all parts of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the opening session yesterday in Abuja, JUSUN’s National President Marwan Adamu highlighted the importance of the training for the union members.

Adamu explained that the training, which was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC’s) Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), was meant to prepare judiciary workers for the future of work.

“The Federal Government’s policy to digitalise the judiciary posed a challenge, but we saw it as an opportunity for growth. We are committed to equipping our members with the necessary skills to stay relevant in the digital age,” he said.

Read Also: JUSUN lauds Tinubu for okaying 300% pay rise for judicial officers

The union leader said JUSUN approached the NCC and DBI for support to ensure that its members were well-prepared for the future.

“This training is a significant investment in our members’ future, enhancing their job security and improving the efficiency of the judiciary system,” Adamu said.

The union leader also said the DBI, established by the NCC as Nigeria’s premier ICT training institution, had been instrumental to bridging the digital divide.

He said JUSUN had full confidence in the institute’s ability to deliver high-quality training.

“The DBI’s expertise in ICT is well recognized, and we are confident this program will be a success,” Adamu added.

The union leader urged other government agencies, private organisations, and trade unions to take advantage of DBI’s training programmes to empower their workers with digital skills.

Lawyers and other court users were denied access to the various court premises in Abuja on Monday and members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) withdrew their services in compliance with the nationwide indefinite strike declared by the organised labour.

The main entrances of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court headquarters, the various divisions of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were shut when The Nation visited on Monday.

At the Federal High Court, lawyers and other court users were seen watching helplessly as JUSUN officials sealed the entrance of the court.

The Chairman of JUSUN at the Federal High Court, Comrade Samuel Ikpat said members of his group were acting in total compliance with the directive of the NLC that workers should down tool beginning from today.

“We are an affiliate of the NLC. So, we are in total compliance with the strike action, including all our divisions,” he said.

Read Also: BREAKING: SGF summons Labour to emergency meeting over strike

On why lawyers and other court users were prevented from accessing the court premises, Ikpat said: “There is nobody inside the courts because we are in total compliance with the directive.”

Ikpat said the gates would be opened only when ‘we get directive from our parent body, which is the NLC.”

Ikpat argues that organised labour was not being irrational, but was making legitimate demand.

He said the organised labour was only asking that the government feel the pain of the people and reciprocate the support it has got from Nigerian workers, who are now finding it difficult to survive given the high cost of living in the country.

“We are not being unreasonable. We are only making demands that are supported by facts and figures.

“We are not against negotiation. But, the government should also come forward with its facts and figures.

“It is increasingly difficult to exist in the country today. Everything is now expensive.

“If you do not know, I know your wife must have told you that prices of items in the markets increase almost daily,” he said.