A non-governmental organisation, World Institute for Peace, has given the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria in Osun State a 10-day ultimatum to call off its ongoing industrial action.
Failure to do so, the group threatened to drag JUSUN before the court, saying the continued closure of courts in the state was impacting negatively on the right to timely trial by litigants, having matters in courts across the state.
JUSUN had on November 20, picketed Osun court premises in protest against the Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo’s alleged indiscriminate suspension of workers and failure to pay their wardrobe allowances, among other complaints.
JUSUN, however, declared an indefinite strike on November 22, after policemen dispersed its members from the premises of the Osun State High Court in Osogbo to prevent them from physically harassing the chief judge.
But addressing journalists in Osogbo on Monday, the Executive Director, World Institute for Peace, Mr Lamina Omotoyosi, said the strike by judicial staff members had denied people their right to fair and timely dispensation of justice.
Omotoyosi said, “We, therefore, issue a 10-day ultimatum to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Osun Chapter, to call off their strike and resume duties. We believe that dialogue and negotiation should be the primary means of resolving disputes. However, if the union fails to comply with this ultimatum, we will have no choice but to pursue legal action against the organisation.”
Commenting on the issues militating against security in the country, Omotoyosi called on the Federal Government to increase the salary of military personnel in appreciation of the risks and challenges they face to keep the nation safe.
He said, “Our institute recognises the crucial role of the military in maintaining peace and security within Nigeria. However, it is disheartening to note that military personnel are not adequately compensated for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.
“We strongly urge the Federal Government to increase military salaries to reflect the risks and challenges faced by these brave men and women.”