Lagos- The four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos State on Friday called for an urgent resolution of the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
They made the plea in a communique issued after a meeting with the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique was signed by Ipaye, Mr Alex Mouka, Chairman, Lagos branch and Mr Yinka Farounbi, the Chairman of the Ikeja branch.
Others who signed the communique are Mr Chris Okoye, Chairman, Badagry branch and Mr Adedotun Adetunji, Chairman of the Ikorodu branch.
It will be recalled that the workers had begun the indefinite strike on Jan. 5 to press home their demand for financial autonomy for states’ judiciary.
The communique noted that the strike had led to the total closure of all courts of justice in Nigeria.
It said: “The strike has caused untold hardship to ordinary Nigerians who are deprived of their freedom without trial and without any opportunity to apply for bail.
“It has made other fundamental rights enforcement and settlement of disputes impossible, thereby shutting down all justice infrastructure provided by law in Nigeria.
“It has also deprived legal practitioners of their legitimate means of livelihood.”
According to the communique, this situation signals the impotence of the Nigerian justice system and constitutes a clear inducement to impunity.
“We fear that the breakdown of law and order is the logical result, especially when we are within a few days to the General Elections.
“We also fear that the consequence of this strike will outlive the strike period,” it added.
The communique said the strike would have a negative effect on local and foreign investments, due to lack of trust in the efficacy of Nigeria’s justice system.
It said: “We support autonomy of the judiciary and direct deduction or remittance of monies budgeted for the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund Account of the Federal and State Government.
“In view of the foregoing, and in the interest of law and order, we call on all parties concerned to immediately find ways of resolving the disputes and allowing the courts to reopen.” (NAN)