Ondo, Ekiti Lawyers Back Striking Judicial Workers |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Lawyers in Ondo and Ekiti States have lent their voices to the clamour for autonomy for the judiciary.

Lawyers in Ondo State on Monday took to the streets in a peaceful protest to back the strike embarked upon by judicial workers since two weeks ago.

“Please, save the Judiciary from sinking. The time for emancipation is now” “NBA says no Executive control of Judiciary.Aketi Obey section 121(3) of the Constitution” “NBA believes in judicial autonomy” and “Save judiciary from drowning,” are some of the inscriptions on the various placards mounted by the protesting lawyers.

Chairman of Akure branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA), Mr Rotimi Olorunfemi, Ondo branch,Thompson Akinyemi and Okitipupa, Chief Orimisan Okorisa said Governors should stop blocking the much anticipated judicial autonomy.

According to them, a situation where the Judiciary goes to Governors for fund each time is not acceptable to lawyers in the state.

They later submitted a letter at the Governor’s office, which contained their demands.

Part of the letter states that “JUSUN’s demand, which the NBA unequivocally supports,  is not alien to our system of governance, because federalism comes alive through active implementation of the doctrine of separation of powers.

”It is particularly reprehensible that despite all the interventions of relevant stakeholders towards enforcing constitutional provisions, this state has continued in the undemocratic practice of micromanaging the funds due to the Judiciary with gross impunity, and in breach of oath of office which requires that you uphold the dictates of the Constitution.”

In Ekiti state, the lawyers paid a courtesy call on Governor Kayode Fayemi, during which they tabled their demands.

The three branches of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA in Ekiti State which include Ado, Ikere and Ikole called on the Governor to accede to the demands of the judicial workers over the implementation of financial autonomy for the Judicial sector.

Chairmen Ado Ekiti branch, Barrister Adeyemi Adewumi, chairman Ikole branch Barrister Albert Adeyemi and his counterpart from Ikere Barrister Kikelomo Owolabi disclosed that the request of the Judicial workers for financial autonomy was a constitutional provision which could not be negotiated.

They affirmed that granting financial autonomy to the Judiciary would enable the court function effectively urging government to act on the request so as to enable the Judicial sector bounce back to life.