Plateau Judges begin indefinite sit-down strike

The Plateau State chapter of Sharia, Area and Customary Court Judges Association of Nigerian (SACCJAN), has commenced an indefinite sit-down strike, following the inability of government to pay their eight years dressing allowances.

While the strike lasts, the judges would only appear in their offices but would not carry out any assignment.

Chairman of the Association, Hon. Ayuba Dazel, who brief Journalists on Wednesday, after an emergency congress meeting of the Association, held at Court 4, Plateau State High Court Complex, in Jos, urged the 140 Judges made up of the association  to comply strictly with the directive.

“The Plateau State chapter of Sheria, Area and Customary Court Judges Association of Nigeria (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 action because our dressing allowances have not been paid since 2009.

“Other Ministries and Departments, particularly the Ministry for Justic and Plateau State House of Assembly have been paid and i don’t know why we in the Judiciary Arm of Government 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 made.”

Hon. Dazel expressed regret that despite the 14 days ultimatum issued to the Governor in a letter dated May 23, 2017 which expired last week Tuesday, government has not shown concern towards addressing their plight.

He lamented over the discrimination in payment of the said allowances which their counterparts in the ministry for Justice has been enjoying.

Dazel said the association has consulted all constituted authorities on the matter but no concrete decision has been taken towards resolving the abnormalities, adding that they are left with no option than to down tool until government do the needful.

In a swift reaction, Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Dan Manjang appealed to the judges to stay away from their dangerous action and pursue dialogue, more so that the Governor is from their constituency.

He said it is not deliberate for government not to pay their entitlement and begged the judges for more understanding, saying the hitches was due to the precarious financial status of the state.

He noted that Government is up to date in the payment of public workers and pensioners in the state and effort is on to clear all outstanding allowances of civil servants in the state.