Federal Courts Resume In Rivers

Federal Court workers
in Rivers State have complied with the directive given by the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) nationwide that normal activities should commence on Monday in all federal courts in the country.
The resumption of normal duties in all the federal courts nationwide including, the state, followed the suspension of the two months strike action embarked upon by the JUSUN.
Our correspondents who visited the Federal High Court along Azikiwe Road and the Court of Appeal along Moscow road all in Port Harcourt reports that workers of both courts were seen on their posts.
Our correspondent also reports that although court workers and litigants including lawyers were seen but normal court sitting did not take place.
A staff of the federal high court in Port Harcourt who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity justified the strike action embarked upon by the union adding that the strike had sent a strong signal to those in authority.
According to him, the judiciary as an organ of government should be made to be independent in all ramifications including enjoying financial autonomy noting that having the financial independence would make the society have confidence on the judiciary.
Also speaking a member of the Nigeria Bar Association in the state, Barr Emmanuel Nweke lauded the wisdom of the JUSUN leadership in suspending the strike, noting that the absence of the courts for several weeks inflicted more injustice and fear in the society.
Barrister Nweke urged the federal government and authorities concerned to address the issues raised by JUSUN to avoid the repeat of the strike action adding that given the financial autonomy, the judiciary will become truly independent devoid of external controls in its dealing.
He appealed to judges affected in the various courts to resume sitting in those courts so as to give litigants the needed opportunity the deserve.
It would be recalled that workers in the judiciary sector embarked upon a strike action to press home demand for financial autonomy of the judiciary arm as well as compliance on a court ruling on the matter.