By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), has written to the State Government about financial autonomy to the third arm with 21days ultimatum to comply with a court’s Judgment on the issue in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The letter dated 16th January, 2024 was signed by Afolabi Oluwafemi, the Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch and the Union’s Secretary, Alade Kehinde.
In a copy of the letter sighted by newsmen, the JUSUN leadership said “we urge Your Excellency to comply with the constitutional provisions within the stipulated 21-day period, following the receipt of this letter. Failure to do so will leave us with no alternative but to consider industrial action to assert our rights and uphold the integrity of the judiciary
“We write to formally address the urgent matter concerning the compliance with the judgment delivered on the 7th day of October, 2024, in respect of the financial autonomy of the Ondo State Judiciary, as outlined in suit No. A16/18M/2024. This judgment was rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction following an application for Judicial Review by way of mandamus.
“As you are aware, Section 121 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), guarantees the financial independence of the Ondo State Judiciary.
“This provision mandates that any amount earmarked for the Judiciary and standing to its credit in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State shall be paid directly to the head of the Court. It is crucial to note that any law inconsistent with this constitutional provision is null and void.
“The court’s judgment is clear and unambiguous, compelling the following actions: Compliance by the Ondo State Governor, Attorney General, and Accountant General: We urge you to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 121 (3) of the Constitution.
“Timely Implementation We request that the aforementioned officials commence compliance within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this judgment.
“Direct Payments to the Judiciary: We mandate that the Accountant General of Ondo State pay into the Ondo State Judiciary account the statutory allocations for recurrent and capital expenditures in monthly installments, in accordance with Section 121 (3B) of the fifth alteration to the 1999 Constitution.
“The position of the Constitution is not negotiable, and our call for compliance after a favorable judgment from the courts reflects the pressing need for adherence to the rule of law in our society.
“We remain hopeful that your administration will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation, thereby enhancing your legacy.
“We trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” said the union.”
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