TheCable

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra branch, has asked Willie Obiano, the state governor, to ignore the decision by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and implement financial autonomy for the state judiciary.

The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had on April 6 shut all courts across the country in protest of the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto, who spoke on behalf of the NGF on Thursday, said his colleagues are committed to ensuring autonomy for the judiciary but noted that constitutional process must be followed in its implementation.

Reacting to the situation in a statement on Saturday, Kingsley Awuka, chairman, committee of chairmen of the eight branches of NBA in Anambra, said the prolonged nationwide strike is affecting the justice system.

“The justice sector of our country is progressively sliding into the destructive dungeon with no hope in sight of its recovery,” he said.

“All the courts have been under lock key with many pending cases. Time and space will not permit us to enumerate the inexhaustible evil consequences of this ugly situation.

“We particularly urge governor Willie Obiano of Anambra to ignore the decision of the Governors’ Forum and commence the implementation of judicial financial autonomy in the state.

“We also want to draw the attention of governor Obiano to the rot and dilapidating state of infrastructure in the Anambra State Judiciary. Many High Courts, where Judges sit, are in dire straits.

“It has now become a regular practice in many courts in the state for judges and lawyers to un-robe due to the unconducive state of the environment where they sit.”

JUSUN in a statement on Friday said it will continue with the strike until its demands are met.