The national leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria has decided to suspend the prolonged industrial action by the Osun State chapter of the union. This decision comes after over three months of unrest within the state’s judiciary system.
In a letter dated March 4, 2024, addressed to the caretaker Committee Secretary of Osun JUSUN, Salam Saheed, and signed by M. Akwashiki, the acting General Secretary of the organization, the directive to end the strike was made clear.
The strike, which commenced on November 22, 2023, stemmed from grievances regarding the non-payment of wardrobe allowances and perceived high-handedness by the state Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.
The situation escalated when police dispersed protesting staff members with teargas at the State High Court premises in Osogbo, leading to a halt in court activities as entrances were barricaded.
The decision to suspend the strike was influenced by the Memorandum of Agreement signed by representatives of the state government, High Court management, and JUSUN.
According to the acting national secretary of JUSUN, the decision to suspend the strike was based on the agreement reached during discussions.
It read partly, “I am directed to convey the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great union led by the President, Marwan Adamu for the Osun State branch to suspend the ongoing industrial action.
“The decision was hinged on the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the JUSUN President, Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Osun State, and Honorable Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Osun State on the issues in contention.
“Therefore, suspending the action would allow for the Chief Judge of Osun State and Chairman, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to summon JSC meeting to finalise other issues that has to do with staff regularisation.”