End Strike, CJN Begs JUSUN

Tobi Soniyi The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has appealed to judiciary workers under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to end their strike in the interest of Nigerians.

Jusctice Mohammed, while swearing-in the newly appointed Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ibrahim Abba, in Abuja also urged JUSUN to consider the interest of the country in the pursuit of its legitimate claims.

He said no matter how meritorious the reasons for the strike were, the average Nigerian, who is the most important stakeholder in the justice sector would be the loser.

The CJN called on the union to explore means of championing its cause with consideration for all court users and the public and quickly bring the strike to an end.

Justice Mohammed reminded judges at the occasion that most of the courts in many states were still under lock and key with serious implications for justice delivery in the country.

Similarly, he reminded state governors to be mindful of the fact that the judiciary is an integral part of the state government.

He said: “State governors must be particularly mindful of their constitutional responsibilities to uphold the constitution and the rule of law of which a crucial component is obedience to court orders.”

Mohammed charged the newly sworn-in Khadi to uphold the rule of law and enshrine justice in his court according to the principles of Sharia.

“Our profession and the judiciary are anchored on credibility and every assault on the credibility of a court is a loss of credibility for the entire Judiciary,” he said.