GOVERNOR WIKR THREATENS TO ENFORCE NO WORK, NO PAY ON THE STRIKING JUDICIARY AND LEGISLATIVE WORKERS IN THE STATE.
Written by miebaka ikiriko on May 26, 2021
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that there was no basis for the Rivers State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN to have joined the on-going national strike as the State Judiciary was enjoying and continued to enjoy financial autonomy and much improved staff welfare.
He has also stated that the State Government would not set up any committee on the implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary and Legislative Branches as agreed by the Federal Government, the Governors’ Forum and JUSUN as the matter remained a non-issue.
Governor Wike said this on Tuesday at the Valedictory Court Session in honour of the retiring Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adams Iyayi-Lamikania at the Chief Judge’s Ceremonial Court Hall, High Court Complex Port-Harcourt.
He noted that both the Judiciary and the State House of Assembly had not been starved of financial release as they had all received their 2021 first and second quarters’ Capital and Constituency Projects across the State.
Governor Wike who observed that the State Government cannot be intimidated by anyone on matters that bordered on the collective interest of Rivers State, noted that government would have no option but to implement the prevailing law on no work, no pay if JUSUN failed to call off its strike by the end of this month.
The Governor lauded the retiring Chief Judge of the State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lanmikanra for her meritorious and unblemished service and contributions to the development of the State, noting that her passion for truth, fairness and Justice is remarkable.
He observed that under the leadership of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, the State Judiciary effectively enjoyed both administrative and financial autonomy and she also ensured effective cooperation and complementary among the Judiciary , the Executive and the Legislative Branches of government in the overall interest of the State.
In her remarks, the retiring Chief Judge of the State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra stated that despite the challenges faced, she remained committed to her responsibility and focused on how to improve Justice delivery, emphasizing that the State Judiciary is Second to none in human and infrastructural development in the Country.
She noted that Rivers State Government was already complying with the financial autonomy for the State Judiciary before JUSUN strike and thanked the State Governor for his support to the Judiciary as well as the people of the State for the opportunity, given her to serve.