By: Ade Adeleke
Judicial workers in Ondo state today joined a nationwide indefinite strike to protest the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.
SUNSHINETRUTH reporter who monitored the situation in Akure, observes that the State High Court, Appeal Court, Magistrates courts, National Industrial court and the Federal High Court in Akure have been shut down by official of the the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) led by the state Chairman, Comrade Femi Afolabi.
The strike is to seek financial autonomy of the judiciary arm of government, though the federal government has allowed for financial autonomy, state governments were accused of not granting financial independence to the judiciary in the states.
Reacting to the refusal of states to implement the policy, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), accordingly directed its members across the country to shut down all courts nationwide beginning from today.
In Akure, some lawyers and litigants returned home disappointed as they met gates of the court locked by JUSUN Officers while staff of the Federal High Court were forced out of the premises.
Speaking with newsmen, the JUSUU Chairman in Ondo state, Comrade Femi Afolabi said the strike would not be called off until their demands were met by government.
Comrade Afolabi described as successful the first day of the strike, adding that all stakeholders in the judiciary arm were fully in the JUSUN support.
