15th May, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The newly constituted Edo State Judicial Service Commission has ordered striking members of the State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), to report for duty unfailingly on Monday next week or risk being sacked.
The Commission issued the threat in a statement signed by its Secretary, Isaac Sanu.
The statement stated that “anybody who fails to report as at the close of work on Monday, the 18th day of May, 2015 should consider himself/herself to have been dismissed from the service with effect from that date, that is, Monday, the 18th day of May, 2015.”
While assuring provision of security for all members of staff willing to resume work, the Commission said the Judiciary being an important arm of government, would not be allowed to shut down indefinitely.
It explained the workers’ strike over financial autonomy of the Judiciary which is in the fifth month would have been resolved by the Commission in consultation with the State Governor, but for the stand of JUSUN Executive who rebuffed all entreaties, including appeals to members to call off the strike while issue of staff outstanding salary during the strike would be addressed.
But reacting to the sack threat yesterday, the State Chairman of JUSUN, Uyi Ogieriakhi, who described the Commission’s statement as “mere threat,” said the Union will not be intimidated to call off the strike as only the workers who declared the strike were in a position to call it off
Ogieriakhi who noted that the that matter was already in court, said the workers were resolute on their quest for financial autonomy and would therefore not resume work.