The Federal Government yesterday pleaded with striking members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, to end their nationwide industrial action, which has paralysed activities at the nation’s courts for the past one week.
This came as the leadership of JUSUN, insisted that the strike would not be called off until the union’s demand is met, saying this was the last strike
A statement by Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, informed that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made the appeal in his office at a conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of JUSUN.
Ngige reminded the judiciary workers that like doctors and nurses, they are on essential duties and should not go on strike.
According to Ngige, the country cannot make progress economically and socially, when the laws of the country are not enforced.
“You are important people and that is why we waited to see if there could be an in-house conciliation with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, but since progress was not made, we decided to exercise our mandate here as Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“Grant us peace and we are going to handle this matter in a way that doesn’t lose sight of what you are pursuing. I will do a report on this meeting and forward to the President when he returns. I will make a commitment here. The Executive Order 10 and its application, granting autonomy to the Judiciary which is topmost on your demand will be tackled because it is a constitutional issue. Even Governors owe their office to the constitution. You don’t pick and choose what to obey. However, we must handle this matter with maturity and utmost patriotism.