The Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), FCT High Court chapter, Abdulrazaq Yusuf, has said disciplinary measures will be taken against union branches that failed to comply with the ongoing nationwide strike.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, he confirmed that they are complying with the strike declared by the national body.
He said, “There is the matter of the wage awards which Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria members have not received.
“All that we have been hearing is that they are in the process of paying this money.
“The strike is ongoing until June 14. We are going to take necessary actions against the unions that refused to join,” he declared.
Yusuf said the industrial action, which commenced at midnight on Sunday, followed the federal government’s failure to meet workers’ demands, including payment of a five-month wage award, implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, and a 25 to 35 per cent salary increase.
He disclosed that efforts by the Minister of Labour and Employment to mediate had so far failed to yield results, despite the involvement of key institutions including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the Ministries of Finance and Budget.
Following the announcement, court activities across the Federal Capital Territory, including the High Courts in Maitama, Wuse Zone II, Garki and Nyanya, were grounded on Monday as union members enforced the strike directive.
The action, declared in a circular signed by JUSUN General Secretary M. J. Akwashiki and dated May 31, is to continue until further notice.
The union said it was left with no choice after “unfruitful meetings” with federal authorities.
At the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja, gates remained locked well into Monday morning, with staff, lawyers, and litigants turned away.
Courtrooms and offices were similarly deserted at the Court of Appeal headquarters. However, the strike has not enjoyed uniform compliance.
A counter-directive from the NJC chapter of JUSUN had on Sunday night announced a two-week suspension of the strike following the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The NJC chapter urged staff to resume duties, expressing optimism that pending issues would be addressed within the grace period.
Despite that, Yusuf insisted that the strike, as declared by the national leadership, remained in force and must be observed by all chapters.
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