By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, has assured members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), of the implementation of their financial autonomy in order to strengthen democracy.
Members of JUSUN, had on Thursday embarked on peaceful protest, in compliance with the directive of the national body of the union to press for financial autonomy.
Alabi restated the conviction of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, on the sanctity and independence of the judiciary as an integral ingredient of democracy.
He apologized that the Governor would have loved to address members of the union but for the National Economic Council meeting he was participating through zoom.
The Deputy Governor, also asserted that the executive arm of government in the state understands and recognizes the importance of separation of power in every constitutional democracy.
Alabi, who addressed the protesters at the State Secretariat, Abere, on behalf of the Governor, also commended them for the peaceful manner the protest was conducted and the level of maturity and understanding displayed in the course of pressing home their demand.
”You know I was confident and calm when my convoy ran into your procession; I was sure that every protest embarked upon by this noble union is always peaceful and orderly, and you must acknowledge our civility and democratic maturity too in the state, despite the obstruction of my convoy, my security personnel were seen appealing to protesters for space to quickly get to the office and prepare for your arrival on behalf of the Governor .
”Sincerely, that is the type of political orientation we have institutionalized since the inception of our administration, as a pathway to egalitarian and just society, where the rule of law remains compass for social behaviour.
”Our profound belief in the symbiotic relationship amongst the three organs of government emboldens us the more to place great premium on the independence of judiciary through financial autonomy, to deepen our emerging democracy for the good of all,’ Alabi said.
Speaking on behalf of the union, the Chairman of JUSUN in the state, Mr Kunle Eludire, disclosed that the purpose of the protest was to ensure that the state government implements financial autonomy for the Judiciary, which he described as long overdue.
According to him, the implementation of Judicial financial autonomy would strengthen justice system further and bring about peaceful atmosphere with attendant speedy development.
Members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASSAN) were also part of the protest in solidarity.
