Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has distanced himself from the ongoing strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN). The Governor firmly stated that his administration is dedicated to ensuring the effective operation of the judiciary in Osun State.

Adeleke Rejects Boycott Allegations

Through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke dismissed allegations of a deliberate boycott by his appointees to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). He insisted these claims were baseless. The Governor asserted that the paralysis currently affecting the judiciary should not be attributed to his appointees. Instead, he blamed the Chief Judge for failing to carry out his statutory duties.

The statement highlighted that the Governor’s attention was drawn to a letter from the Forum of Nigerian Bar Association Branches in Osun State. This letter contained allegations against Governor Adeleke and his JSC appointees.

Chief Judge Accused of Inaction

Governor Adeleke’s office emphasized the need to correct what it called “misrepresentations” in the NBA petition. The statement reaffirmed the Governor’s unwavering commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and a functional judiciary in Osun State.

“Governor Adeleke is deeply concerned about the paralysis of the judiciary,” the statement read. “The allegations of deliberate refusal or boycott by government-appointed members of the JSC are unfounded.”

The Governor’s team clarified that the judicial paralysis is not due to any inaction from his appointees. They pointed to the Chief Judge’s “persistent refusal” to convene JSC meetings. Furthermore, they cited his failure to implement the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed during the last strike with JUSUN members in Osun State.

The statement revealed that the Chief Judge has consistently failed to convene any JSC meeting for two consecutive years. This inaction continued despite numerous letters, formal applications, and reminders from the State Attorney General and JUSUN itself.

“This refusal constitutes a grave dereliction of duty,” the statement asserted. It has effectively obstructed the proper functioning of the JSC. The Governor’s office challenged the Chief Judge and the NBA to provide any letter where the Chief Judge either called a JSC meeting or directed its Secretary to do so.

Governor’s Previous Intervention

During the last JUSUN strike, Governor Adeleke personally intervened. On February 6, 2024, the National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, met with the Governor. Adeleke appealed for a resolution to JUSUN Osun Chapter’s legitimate demands. Subsequently, the National President held separate meetings with the Chief Judge and his team to address the workers’ grievances.

Governor Adeleke remains firm in his commitment to upholding the rule of law. He also seeks to strengthen democratic institutions. His goal is to ensure the judiciary resumes full operations without delay. The Osun State Government and its JSC appointees are ready to resolve all outstanding issues. This is for the greater interest of justice, constitutional governance, and good administration.

“Our only plea is that the Chief Judge does the right thing,” the statement concluded. It urged against resorting to “cheap blackmail and gimmicks.”