Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, on Tuesday pleaded with Governor Babatunde Fashola to pay the January salaries of judicial workers in the state withheld as a result of the Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) strike.
Justice Atilade made the plea at the inauguration of a new High/Magistrate Court Complex GRA Ikeja named after a former Chief Judge, Justice Rosaline Omotosho.
The Chief Judge also asked the government to grant the judiciary financial autonomy as provided for in the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Atilade explained that the appeal became imperative because of all the months, January is usually tough for everybody.
She said payment of January salaries would ensure the support, boost the morale and productivity of the judiciary staff.
She recalled when JUSUN called off the strike in Lagos, the industrial action was still going on in other states of the federation.
Justice Atilade acknowledged that the state judiciary had undergone commendable progress under the present administration.
She thanked the state government for the new court complex which she noted would boost quick dispensation of justice in the state.
She reiterated the commitment of the judiciary to effective justice delivery in the state.
She promised that efforts would also be intensified to expose judges and magistrates in the state to modern trends in justice delivery.
Fashola in his remarks promised that his administration would never do anything to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
He said that the issues between both arms of government could be resolved through dialogue.
Fashola said the nationwide strike by the workers was dangerous to the stability of the country and capable of sending wrong signal to international community.
He said the JUSUN did not explore all possible avenues before shutting down the nation’s justice system in their quest for financial autonomy for the judiciary.
According to him, embarking on strike to enforce a court judgment was not proper because those constitutionally saddled with such responsibilities are the court’s bailiffs.
