Pay The Balance of JUSUN Staff Salary Or Proceed On Compulsory Leave-NLC Tells Nasarawa Chief Judge

Rabiu Omaku

Nasarawa State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has asked the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Suleiman Umar Dikko to speed up the payment of the balance of salary arrears owned affected staff of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter as well remit the monthly dues to Union officials or proceed on compulsory retirement.

The Chairman of the Union, Comrade Yusuf Iya said the Union has begun three-day picketing against the Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko over violation of an agreement reached with the union in the last strike that lasted for one year.

During the commencement of the picketing, Comrade Yusuf Iya said the protest would hold from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for three consecutive days.

The State Chairman explained that the protest was aimed at ensuring Justice to members of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria who were unjustly treated by the CJ.

He affirmed that the CJ had unilaterally constituted a committee in 2018 and used the report of the committee in downgrading staff with steps.

Comrade Sarki Iya maintained that the decision of the Chief Judge was challenged by the officials through the strike and got dismissed from service.

He in addition buttressed that while on strike the CJ took some decisions which include, stoppage of the payment of the salaries of the officials, non-remittance of dues to officials among others.

The State NLC Chairman explained that the purported dismissal and other harsh decisions have worsened the problem leading to a prolonged strike action that lasted for one year until Governor Abdullahi Sule and other prominent people intervened and the strike was suspended.

He however expressed shock that the CJ refused to reverse his decision despite agreeing before the governor and Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage to do so in the interest of peace.

The Public Relations Officer to the High Court, Ali Maku could not be reached as he did not respond to a series of phone calls at press time.