Lawyers urge FG, striking judiciary workers to resolve differences Following the strike by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria(JUSUN), some lawyers have appealed to the Federal Government and the striking staff of judiciary to resolve their differences. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Tuesday that suspects to be granted bail by the court would continue to be in custody unless the strike was called off. Mr Elias Agu, a legal practitioner, said that the people in custody would feel the pinch of the ongoing judiciary workers’ strike Cue in audio “The people that will feel the pinch of this strike are those in custody. “Other people who have matters in the court have their freedom, they can go home and relax, whenever the strike is over, they continue with their matters. “We are calling on relevant agents of government to expedite action to see that issue is resolved once and for all.” Cue out audio Agu said that lawyers would be immensely affected on the closure of court because of strike, noting that it is from court that majority of lawyers earn their daily living. “What it means is that lawyers will be staying at home until the strike is called off. “We have our families and other people who get food on their table from us. “ I urge government and judiciary staff to resolve their problem before the end of this week.” Another lawyer, Mr Newman Ugwu, urged government and judiciary staff to put the interest of poor masses above their personal interest, saying lawlessness and anarchy take over the land if the court is shut down. “Judiciary is the last hope of a common man, so when it is not working the society may be thrown to a state of lawlessness. “Government should please listen to demands of judiciary staff so as to enhance the resolution of the crisis. “Government should also consider the oppressed that are in custody, as the court remains their only hope.” In a related development, some other Nigerians who have pending matters in court have also expressed worry over the judiciary strike. One Mr Sunday Uram said his son was arrested two weeks ago on allegation of defrauding his boss. “ It is today his bail application could have been looked into. “With this strike of judiciary staff, what it means he will continue to be in police custody until the strike is over. “I beg government not to allow this strike to linger.” Another respondent, Mr Andy Ezeugwu, said that the judgment on his civil suit could have been delivered on Monday, but said because of the strike he would not know when the judgment would come. “Judiciary is the last hope of a common man and government must strive to do everything possible to end the strike. “Government and judiciary staff should resolve their misunderstanding for the interest of poor masses.”
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 21:18:33 +0000