By Yusuf Adua
The delay in July salary of judicial workers in Oyo State has prompted the enforcement of a sit-at-home fiat in the state.
According to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the union had decided to suspend operations over a delay in the payment of July salary in Oyo state.
JUSUUN’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Obafunso Okulaja who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) disclosed that the union made the resolution on Friday after the union’s congress.
Mr Okulaja expressed the discontent of the union for the government’s frequent delay in their salary including July while other agencies of government in the state are paid on July 25.
“Our members do not have money to come to work so we directed them to sit at home”, he stated.
This reporter understands that the delay in judicial workers’ salaries in Oyo state has been prevalent since December 2021.
ARE OTHER WORKERS OWED?
In a chat with workers at the Oyo State Fire Service and secondary school teachers in the state, the salaries never fail on the 25th of every month.
Some critics did posit that the government in the state is prompt in paying workers in sectors that have thunderous numbers. The critics felt that the governor has always remained unconcerned with the outcry of minority working groups in the state.
THE JUDICIARY STRUGGLING UNDER DEMOCRACY
One of the components of the independence of the judiciary is the prompt payment of judicial workers’ salaries.
Also, the sole way to incapacitate members of the last hope of the masses is to delay their financial entitlements.
“We call on the state government to put us on the priority list as the third arm of government”, the judicial association clamoured.
The association opined that it is unsavoury that members of the executive and legislature receive their salary as and when due only for the third arm, the judiciary to wait till the government wishes.
WHEN WILL THE JUDIJUDICIARY STOP SITTING AT HOME
According to the association, The sit-at-home will continue until the judicial workers receive their July Salary.
At the time of compiling this report, 2nd August 2022, this reporter can confirm that the entrance alongside some offices of the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court and State High Court, were locked as people and vehicles were restricted from entering the court premises.
The customary court of appeal is also locked at present.
THE JUDICIAL VOICE
Judicial workers in the state who interacted with this reporter under the condition of anonymity decried the incessant delay of their salaries that has occurred for over six months.
”We want the government to urgently do something about it as quickly as they can,” one of the workers appealed.
This is not the first time that the judicial arm of government would express its displeasure over the delay of salaries in the state.
Therefore, some of the workers told this reporter that they hope that the “magnet” holding up their salary would repel it as soon as possible.