Kogi CJ : Judiciary workers threaten nationwide strike

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Kogi State chapter has cautioned the state House of Assembly against being used by the Executive to illegally and forcefully remove the State Chief Judge, Nasir Ajanah. The Union threatened to disrupt court activities, as well as tribunal sittings across the country over planned removal of the Chief […]

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Kogi State chapter has cautioned the state House of Assembly against being used by the Executive to illegally and forcefully remove the State Chief Judge, Nasir Ajanah.

The Union threatened to disrupt court activities, as well as tribunal sittings across the country over planned removal of the Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah.

The Kogi State House of Assembly had last week recommended to Governor Yahaya Bello for his removal and the Governor had earlier vowed to remove the CJ by all means over non remittance of accrued revenue to the Judiciary.

While reacting to the development, National president of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu said the recommendation cannot stand the test of time stressing that the Unions members will withdraw from all courts in the country should the governor be allowed to remove the CJ.

“We condemned this wicked recommendation for the removal of the Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah by the State House. We warned against total shut down of nation judiciary in solidarity with our members in the state who have being on strike for five months over this matter and also that the matter is pending in Court” he said.

“We see this action by the lawmakers as an affront to the Judiciary and against doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended. We also believe that for the Assembly to even deliberate on the matter is subjudice, since the issue is before the court” he added.

Adamu said the national headquarters of the Union had earlier sought for audience with the governor on how best to resolve the matter but to no avail.

He noted that the Judiciary workers in the state had been on strike since December 2018 over non remittance of funds accruing to the state Judiciary, which led to eight months accumulated salary arrears, last month approach the National Industrial Court which they consider as only hope to common man.

The union therefore urged the court to determine whether the Executive arm had the powers or constitutional right to usurp the powers of the JSC, by scheming to take over payment of judiciary staff salaries and other emoluments without reference to and approval of the Commission.

It also sought the determination of the Industrial Court whether on the other hand, the Chief Judge and other heads of courts had received any subvention since July 1, 2018, and have refused to pay the salaries and emoluments of staff.

JUSUN therefore urged the court to declare that subject to the provisions of the constitution and laws of Kogi State, amounts standing to the credit of Kogi State Judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state, be paid directly to the heads of courts.

It also urged the court to declare that the Executive lacked the power to withhold funds accruing to the Judiciary, and its continued refusal to remit such funds were unconstitutional, illegal, ultra vires, wrong, null and void; and of no effect.

The union also asked for an order of the court directing the full payment of the accumulated eight months subvention owed the three courts and the JSC.