Judges Begin Indefinite Strike in Plateau State

Jide Afolabi, Jos

Plateau state Judges under the aegis of Sharia, Area and Customary Court Judges Association of Nigerian (SACCJAN), has begun indefinite strike, following the inability of the state government to pay dressing allowances since 2009.

Ayuba Dazel, Chairman of the Association who briefed journalists, yesterday, after an emergency congress meeting, held at Court 4, Plateau State High Court Complex, Jos, urged the 140 judges of the association to comply strictly with the directive.

He said, “SACCJAN resolved during a congress meeting held on Tuesday 13, June 2017 that all lower courts judges in the state are going on sit-down strike because our dressing allowances have not been paid since 2009.

“Other ministries and departments, particularly the Ministry for Justice and Plateau State House of Assembly have been paid and I don’t know why we in the Judiciary have not been paid. It is on this note that all judges are directed to be in their respective offices but will not carry out any assignment until our demands are met.”

Dazel stated that Plateau state government failed to address their plight despite the 14 days ultimatum given to the governor in a May 23, 2017 letter, which expired last Tuesday. He decried discrimination in payment of the said allowances and alleged that their counterparts in the Justice ministry have been paid.

Meanwhile, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Dan Manjang appealed to the judges to “stay action and pursue dialogue, more so since the governor is from their constituency.

“He sought the understanding of the striking judges, noting “the hitches were due to the precarious financial status of the state.” He also said that “government is up to date in the payment of public workers and pensioners in the state and efforts are on to clear all outstanding allowances of civil servants” in the state.