By Radio Nigeria
The Federal Government has urged members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, to suspend their nationwide industrial action, which has paralysed court activities nationwide.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige gave the advice today in Abuja at a meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of JUSUN.
Senator Ngige reminded them that like doctors and nurses, they were on essential duties and should not go on strike.
According to the Minister, the country cannot make progress economically and socially, when the laws of the country are not enforced.
He said, “You are important people and that is why we waited to see if there could be an in-house reconciliation 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.
He said, “We are apprehending this dispute in line with the labour laws of the country. You people are judicial workers and if any group of people will break the laws of the land, it should not be you. Even if we disagree here, we will certainly agree later on one thing, which is to call off the strike.”
Earlier, President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustafa said they were guided by the Constitution of the country in their action, stressing that democracy has to thrive on the Rule of Law.
He pleaded with the thirty six states Governors to ensure full implementation of the autonomy of judiciary so as to call off the strike.
