The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Lagos Chapter, is currently considering to partially call off its ongoing nationwide strike.
It was gathered that the Lagos Chapter of the Union has concluded plans to write the national body of the association to request permission to resume work partially.
Recall that JUSUN embarked on a nationwide strike on April 6, 2021 to demand autonomy of the third arm of government.
Lagos judiciary workers’ plan to resume is reportedly hinged on the ground that they have been enjoying greater level of financial autonomy compared to other states of the federation.
Speaking to reporters, the Chairman of JUSUN in Lagos, Asiwaju Shobowale Kehinde, said, “Yes, I can confirm to you that we are making effort to partially resume work. We have had series of meetings with stakeholders in the state and it is our believe that it is in the best interest to partially open the court. We shall communicate with our national body and seek approval. So everything depends on what our national body says.”
A memo by Kehinde on the matter partly read: “We had many interactions on the strike situations with fellow State chairmen especially from South-West, South-East and South- South.
“Lagos JUSUN found out that it is only Lagos State Government that had shown concerns and seriousness with a listening ears to this JUSUN struggle.
“At this moment, Lagos JUSUN has had four meetings with powerful Government official especially Mr Governor himself.
“From my position and privileges as JUSUN chairman Lagos, We are indeed lucky. Even the National leadership hasn’t made significant progress as Lagos JUSUN does at the moment.
“Our auxiliary demands are been speedily looked into and results are manifesting. Though there is a national agitation for financial autonomy, this will be achieved nationally and all state will benefits from it.
“Our Union had the best assurances directly from Mr Governor and the Chief Judge of Lagos State on improving welfare allowances for staff which had eluded us since 2014.
“While showing commitment today (April 20) with the delivery of two new buses to Judiciary while House of Assembly had only one bus given to them even though both arms of Government were currently on strike.
“It is impossible that a state branch will suspend a National Strike hence JUSUN strike is very much ongoing in Lagos State.
“But due to the great respect and honour Lagos State judiciary staff have for Mr Governor and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, it is our desire only to relax strike rules to allow clearance of backlogs, reading of judgement and decongestion of prison occasion by the covid pandemic and EndSARS protest.
“Therefore, work and official duties are constraint to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of every week, while Monday and Tuesday of every week remains our strike days that all staff must stay off duty to observed the national strike.
“The Union will review the progress both left and right to make informed decisions as event unfolds.
“Please, let it be known that the Staff of Lagos state judiciary is still on strike but was magnanimous in putting Lagos Judiciary and the Government of Lagos state first in our time of strength.
“All gates of courts in Lagos State will be partially open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only.”
