JUSUN suspends strike; NGF promise implementation of financial autonomy

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has assured the judicial staff that the financial autonomy will be implemented as agreed. The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) suspended their 13-day industrial strike.

The chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, gave the assurance yesterday after he led members to a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at the State House, Abuja.

THIS came as the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) suspended its 13-day-old protest over the issue.

Dr Fayemi, while addressing journalists, noted that all stakeholders were on same page, as an agreement had been reached on modalities for implementation.

“There has been no objection from governors on judicial and legislative autonomies,” he said.

“So, that issue has been fully and holistically addressed. But we don’t just want to agree to something on paper without working out the modalities for implementation. Thankfully, the meeting we have just emerged from, with the Chief of Staff to the President chairing, has worked out the modalities to the satisfaction of all parties,” Fayemi added.

He said the document was being finalised for proper implementation of the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

“As soon as the final document that is being cleaned up emerges, the implementation will definitely not be later than the end of May 2021.

He appealed to the striking workers to return to their offices.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, JUSUN’s National Chairman, Comrade Marwan Alonge, said the decision to suspend the industrial action followed a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige.

Comrade Jimoh Alonge, speaking on behalf of the chairman, the National Treasurer stated: “We had met with the Minister of Labour and Employment where he promised to meet with the governors and get back to us. But the day we were to meet, the meeting was postponed indefinitely.”