Rabiu Omaku
The Hon. Commissioner of Justice Nasarawa state, Abubakar Kana has raised alarmed over the increasing number of suspects awaiting trial in Nasarawa prison.
He disclosed this during a discussion with leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, the national leadership of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Suleiman Dikko.
The Attorney General of the state attributed the strike embarked by JUSUN to the growing population suspects in prisons in Nasarawa state.
Hon.Kana said the state government has done a marvelous job in the area of payment of salary.
“There is no recession in Nasarawa Judiciary”.
He called on the national leadership of JUSUN to bury their hatchet for the interest of peace and harmony.
“Why must JUSUN insist on closing down courts for months,we has discussion with the Chairman in Lafia and to end this impasses I was with him at the headquarters in Abuja”.
He further explained that the ministry of Justice to ensure that there is industrial harmony we established two departments in favor of JUSUN, he added.
“One of their grievances, according to the Commissioner was the issue of scrapping of Customary which on our side is not a profit making court”.
Hon.Kana accused the Nigeria Bar Association, Nasarawa State wing for her hand in-glove in addressing the impasses.
The Attorney General of the state said the state is doing it possible best in addressing the issue of customary court in the state.
Adding the state government has taken a bold step towards restructuring high which he described as having much power.
“The restructuring of high Court needs technical approach and again what we are looking forward is the issue of increasing funding.
The Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko commended the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress ,Comrade Abdullahi Adeka for his bold step in ensuring peace and industrial harmony.
“Though for the first time I’m seeing you as NLC Chairman, he affirmed.
“The Chairman of JUSUN did not step into my court during the protest”.
The national President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha appreciated Comrade Adeka for intervening in the prolonged strike.
Describing the strike as a legal strike approved by him, he insisted on the need to effect the release of money as well increase in funding.
He called on the state government to do the needful for the same of peace.
The NLC Chairman, Comrade Adeka applauded both parties for their understanding and maturity in making sure normalcy return to courts in the state.
