Ondo Judiciary Workers Begin Strike

Fidelis David in Akure

Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Ondo State Branch, yesterday, commenced an industrial action following the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

The union explained that lack of response from the government to address the reneged parts of the agreements outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 20, 2015 was the reason for that strike.

In a letter jointly signed by Comrade Afolabi Oluwafemi, JUSUN State Chairman, and Comrade Alade Kehinde, JUSUN Secretary, the union said it observed with regret the failure of the state government to implement the MoU.

The union directed all members to stay off duty till further directive, and to adhere strictly to the industrial action guidelines.

“It appreciated the understanding and cooperation of all members during this period.”

JUSUN said it had last week written Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, issuing a seven days ultimatum on the need for him to avert the imminent strike by championing the immediate implementation of the MoU signed on May 20, 2015, regarding the release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary by the state government in line with judiciary financial autonomy.

“As you may recall, our union embarked on industrial action to enforce the financial independence of the Ondo State Judiciary, following which the state government resolved to support and comply with the principle of a financially independent judiciary in line with the principle of separation of powers. However, the government has flagrantly reneged on some of the agreements in the MoU.

“This continuous refusal by the state government to honour these agreements has had adverse effects on our members. We urge the government to take immediate action to fulfill its obligations and implement the MoU to avoid any adverse consequences,” JUSUN concluded.