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Tag: JUSUN

  • JUSUN suspends 102-day strike

    JUSUN suspends 102-day strike

    • Allows resumption of Osun CJ

    The national secretariat of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has directed Osun State branch to suspend the strike embarked on over three months ago.

    The Nation recalls that the judiciary workers embarked on strike shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended the Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, after the House of Assembly recommended the decision for the executive arm over allegations of corruption, among others.

    Read Also: JUSUN suspends strike, allows resumption of embattled CJ

    However, the suspension of the CJ was frowned at by stakeholders, including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), saying only the National Judicial Council (NJC) could suspend a judge. NJC reinstated Justice Adepele-Ojo last December, but the strike still continued.

    A letter dated March 4, 2024 addressed to the Osun State branch, directed that members should suspend the strike.

    It was signed by the Acting General Secretary, M. J. Akwashiki.

  • JUSUN suspends strike, allows resumption of embattled CJ

    JUSUN suspends strike, allows resumption of embattled CJ

    The national secretariat of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has suspended the 102-day strike to demand their allowances and suspension of some colleagues. 

    The Nation reports the judiciary staff embarked on strike shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Osun Chief Judge Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo after the House of Assembly recommended the decision over alleged corruption among others. 

    Stakeholders including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) frowned at the purported suspension, stating that only National Judicial Council(NJC) can suspend a judge. Even when the  NJC reinstated Justice Ojo in December, the strike action continued. 

    A letter dated March 4th 2024 with reference number JUSUN/NHQ/SUB.27/VOL.11/10 to the Osun branch directed that members should suspend the strike action. 

    The letter by the Acting General Secretary, M.J. Akwashiki reads: “I am directed to convey the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great union led by the president, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu for the Osun State branch to suspend the ongoing industrial action.

    “The decision was hinged on the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the JUSUN President, Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Osun State, and Honorable Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Osun State on the issues in contention 

    “Therefore, suspending the action would allow for the Chief Judge of Osun State and Chairman, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to summon JSC meeting to finalise other issues that have to do with staff regularisation.”

  • JUSUN has agreed to call off strike, says Osun govt

    JUSUN has agreed to call off strike, says Osun govt

    After three months of strike, Osun State Government has said Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has agreed to call off its strike.

    JUSUN members embarked on strike shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended the Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo. The decision was opposed by the National Judicial Council (NJC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and others.

    JUSUN’s national leadership described the strike of Osun chapter as politically- motivated, directing members to resume.

    A statement yesterday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, said: “Parties to the Osun judicial strike have finally signed a resolution agreement, just as Governor Adeleke has effected the payment of wardrobe allowance, one of the demands of the striking workers.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    “We are happy to report to the public that in compliance with Mr. Governor’s directive, the parties involved in the strike have agreed to terms for the calling off of the strike,” the panel Chairman, Teslim Igbalaye, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, said.

    The agreement was signed by Mr. F. I. Omisade, the registrar of state High Court; the National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Adamu and Justice Commissioner, Wole Jimi Bada.

  • Osun CJ feud: JUSUN gets seven-day ultimatum to resume duty 

    Osun CJ feud: JUSUN gets seven-day ultimatum to resume duty 

    Following the prolonged animosity of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State chapter, with the embattled Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, which resulted in strike, the union has received seven-day ultimatum to resume duty. 

    JUSUN, led by Gbenga Eludire, had embarked on strike against Justice Adepele-Ojo after Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended her.

    Condemnation has trailed the decision of the state government, as the National Judicial Council (NJC) has reinstated her. 

    A social justice organisation, World Institute for Peace, has threatened legal action against JUSUN.

    Read Also: Ode to ‘lexical beautician’ Adepoju

    The Executive Director of the organisation, Lamina Omotoyosi, said the ongoing strike by JUSUN in the state had disrupted the judicial process and denied citizens their right to a fair and timely trial.

    He said the strike undermined the principles of justice and hampered the overall functioning of the legal system. 

    According to him, “we issue a seven-day ultimatum to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State chapter, to call off their strike and resume duties immediately. We believe dialogue and negotiation should be the primary means of resolving disputes, they encourage both parties involved to engage in constructive discussions to find a mutually beneficial solution.

    “If the union fails to comply with this ultimatum, we will have no choice but to pursue legal action against the organisation.”

  • JUSUN pickets Mararaba High Court

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Nasarawa State chapter has picketed the Mararaba High Court
    over non-compliance with its ongoing strike by the union.

    According to NAN report, Mr Yakubu Osein, Assistant Financial Secretary of the union said this during the picketing on Friday in Abuja.

    The union had embarked on strike since Nov. 13, 2018 and demanded for stoppage of illegal deduction of salaries from members, non implementation of promotion, among others.

    According to him, our picketing here, today, is to ensure that there are strict compliance with the strike declared by JUSUN.

    Read also: JUSUN faults planned trial of CJN before CCT

    “We have been on strike, since Nov. 13, last year. The Nasarawa government has taken us to the National Industrial Court, seeking for an order to ask JUSUN to open the court that is under lock and key and that order has not been granted yet.

    “Our demands are yet to be met and it include the illegal deduction of salaries from our members and non implementation of promotion.

    “Some staff were given the approval to go to school yet their certificates were not recognised and they were not converted, among others are some of the reasons we are on strike,” he said.

  • JUSUN faults planned trial of CJN before CCT

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has faulted the decision by the Executive to insist on trying the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on allegation of non-asset disclosure

    JUSUN urged the Executive to direct its complaints against the CJN to the National Judicial Council (NJC) as provided by the Constitution rather than deliberately working to discredit the Judiciary.

    JUSUN’s President, Comrade Marwan Adamu, noted in a statement that the way the issue was being politicised, revealed that there was more to the case.

    He warned against a repeat of the last mass arrest of judges by security agents, who at the end of the day, could not prove their allegations against the effected judges.

    Marwan said: “Even if such offence is committed, that is not the process. The position is that since there is an Appeal Court judgement that said any serving judicial officer, who erred can only be prosecuted after the NJC has investigated and found him or her guilty, those behind this case should go to NJC.

    “Most people are raising suspicion because of the timing of the general elections and also, the speed at which the petitioners filled the petition and the urgency with which the matter is being pursued.

    “This has also shown that something is fishy. Also, we may wish to ask, when did the petitioner realised the anomalies.

    “The CJN was appointed based on merit and not because he is from the South or anywhere in the country. So, any regional and political sentiment will only put the CJN on a bad light.

    “The Judiciary, as an institution, has the capacity to handle the matter. Even though we recognise their concern, the rule of law must be observed.

    “JUSUN is also watching and monitoring the development with keen interest and has put her members on red alert, not only on this matter, but on any other issue that has to do with the independence of the Judiciary.

    “We are not in anyway shielding anybody, but the position of the law must be followed.

    “We should also avoid a repeat of the scenario that played out recently where some of our judicial officers were embarrassed, arrested and prosecuted but in the end, they were found not guilty.”

     

     

  • JUSUN begins indefinite strike in Nasarawa

    JUSUN begins indefinite strike in Nasarawa

    The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Nasarawa State chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike following the failure of state’s Chief Judge to meet their demands on welfare issues.

    The Chairman of the union, Mr. Jimoh Musa, disclosed this during a chat with journalists in Lafia on Saturday.

    Musa said the decision to embark on the strike was reached at a congress held on Friday because of the refusal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, to address their demands.

    “We reached a consensus at the congress that if the management of the High Court headed by the chief judge of the state did not meet our demands before 12:00 a.m. Saturday, we will resume indefinite strike.

    “So, technically as I speak to you, we have commenced the strike but it is on Monday the state will feel the impact.

    “We have been too patient and tried hard to avoid this last resort but we have no choice but to press home our demands,” Musa said.

    He said some of the union’s grievances included non -conversion or promotion of workers who went for further studies in the last four years and the inordinate reduction of workers’ salaries to the tune of N4.7 million monthly without any clear explanations.

    “We tried to resolve the issue amicably and not wash our dirty linen outside but he refused to listen.

    “For the past four years, our workers get released properly to educate themselves.

    “They go to school, come back but instead of them to be converted and promoted, the chief judge turned deaf ears to that,”  the union leader added.

    NAN

     

  • JUSUN executives, others kidnapped in Rivers

    JUSUN executives, others kidnapped in Rivers

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have diverted a passenger bus with its seven occupants along Isiokpor area of Ikwerre Local Government area of Rivers state.

    The occupants reportedly include two executive officers of the state Chapter of Judiciary  Staff Union of Nigeria, (JUSUN).

    They are the Vice Chairman of the Union, Ibim Opusungi and the Secretary, Carol Tams.

    Chairman of the state chapter of the JUSUN, George Isokari, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt, the state capital, yesterday.

    The state police command confirmed the incident.

    Isokari said the Union officers were returning from Abuja, Sunday evening, when their vehicle was diverted at Isiokpor.

    He expressed sadness on the incident and appealed on the kidnappers to release their colleagues unconditionally and unhurt.

    The Police Public Relation officer in the state, Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the Police is doing everything to ensure the victims are released as soon as possible.

    Omoni said adequate measures including increase on Police patrol team even as search party  have been deployed to the area to ensure they are rescued unhurt.

  • Gunmen abduct two lawyers in Rivers

    Gunmen abduct two lawyers in Rivers

    Two executive members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Rivers State have been abducted while returning from the body’s national executive committee meeting in Abuja.

    The situation has caused panic among lawyers in Rivers State after hearing news of their colleagues’ abduction.

    It was gathered that the victims were kidnapped around Isiokpo community in Ikwerre local government area of the state.

    The bus, owned by a transportation company, was conveying passengers to Port Harcourt from Abuja and was hijacked at Isiokpo.

    The bus was later released after the two lawyers have been picked.

    Confirming the incident on Wednesday, three days after the lawyers’ abduction, the Chairman JUSUN in Rivers State, Mr. George Sokari, called for the victims’ unconditional release.

    He said: “Comr. Ibim Opusunju, the Vice Chairman of JUSUN and Comr. Carol Tolofari, the Secretary of the union, were kidnapped on Sunday evening around 5:00 p.m. on their way to Port Harcourt. The victims were picked up Isiokpo after they have attended the National executive council meeting of JUSUN in Abuja.

    “They left Abuja on Sunday morning and were already in Rivers State around Isiokpo when some persons stopped the vehicle and picked these comrades.

    “We are yet to get contact from anywhere or any information on their whereabouts. The company that owns the vehicle that they boarded informed us that the comrades were kidnapped. They confirmed to us that one of their buses was hijacked and later released but that some people were taken away from the bus.

    “When they went through their manifest which was written before the vehicle left Abuja, we discovered that the names of the two of our members were there. We have informed the police and the Force is doing its best to rescue the victims.

    “We are appealing to the abductors to please release them unconditionally, because their mothers, wives and children are crying.”

    Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, said police officers have intensified efforts in the bid to ensure that the lawyers regain their freedom.

    Omoni said: “We are aware of the incident. All hands are on the deck to ensure that the kidnapped victims are released unconditionally. We have deployed our men to commence search operations.”

  • JUSUN moves to block Nasarawa’s accounts

    JUSUN moves to block Nasarawa’s accounts

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) is making moves to block the account of the Nasarawa State government with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the state’s alleged refusal to release funds due to its judiciary, estimated at about N2 billion.

    To this end, JUSUN has initiated garnishee proceedings before the Federal High Court, Abuja where it is seeking, among others, an order compelling the CBN to pay the state judiciary from the state’s federal allocation, the amount due to it since April 2015.

    In a motion filed on September 9, JUSUN is seeking a garnishee order attaching N1,744,634,700.90k “being arrears of recurrent/capital expenditure in suit FHC/ABJ/667/2013 due to the judgment creditor/applicant (JUSUN) and standing to the credit of the governor and Attorney-General of Nasarawa State in their account with the garnishee (CBN)”.

    JUSUN is also seeking a similar order in relation to another N251,386,848.91k “being the judgment sum for one month due to the judgment creditor/applicant and standing to the credit of the judgment debtors in their accounts with the garnishee from September 2016 upward”.

    National Assistant Financial Secretary Ahmed Ahmed, in a supporting affidavit, said the suit was informed by the failure of the Nasarawa State Governor and the Attorney-General to honour an agreement between them following the January 13, 2014 judgment where the Federal Government and states were ordered to ensure prompt release of allocations due to the judiciary.