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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to engage the striking JUSUN workers and implement their full financial autonomy in line with national and constitutional directives.
Recall that the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Ondo State branch had been on an indefinite strike, over the failure of the State Government to implement parts of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) granting financial autonomy to the state judiciary.
The SDP, through its State Chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli, while expressing disappointment and dismay over the government’s actions, however, described it as “authoritarian tendencies and lack of commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
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Akinbuli specifically criticised the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, for failing to advise the government accordingly and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
According to him, it was laughable that someone with his experience and stature would fail to guide the government on the importance of respecting the judiciary’s autonomy.
He, however, urged the Attorney General to do the needful, or he should resign and go back to his law practice in Abuja.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ajulo should not have allowed the situation to degenerate. His silence and inaction in the face of this crisis are a betrayal of the legal profession and a clear indication of complicity in the state’s anti-judiciary agenda.
“The government needs to be held accountable for their actions, disregard for the judiciary’s autonomy and the rule of law is a threat to democracy.
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“Judicial autonomy is a constitutional matter, not a subject of negotiation. The Ondo State Government must show respect for the rule of law. The continued closure of the courts is a direct attack on democracy and a denial of justice for ordinary citizens.
“The people of Ondo State deserve better, and it’s time for the government to prioritise the effective functioning of the judiciary,” Akinbuli concluded.
Akinbuli also appealed to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to reconsider their decision to embark on an indefinite strike, citing the potential consequences for the common man and litigants.
