Nigeria’s 36 State Governors say they are ready to implement the provisions of Executive Order 10 of 2020.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 30th teleconference meeting of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF.
The statement signed by the NGF Chairman and Ekiti Governor, Kayode Fayemi explained that the industrial action by judiciary workers has adversely affected consideration of the demand for autonomy as there is a need for inputs of experts before the final draft can be available for implementation.
He assured that talks have reached an advanced stage with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Conference of State Assemblies Speakers, National Judicial Council, and the NGF.
Executive Order 10 was signed last year by President Muhammadu Buhari to give financial autonomy to the state legislature and judiciary.
The communique also revealed an ongoing exercise between the Forum and the Budget Office of the Federation to consolidate public finance data of the Federal, State, and local government into a national budget portal.
Fayemi urged State Governors to bring to the public domain, details of their Local Government budgets and financial statements in addition to State Government data already published.
Meanwhile, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, has resolved to continue with the ongoing strike until its demands are fully met by the government of every state.
This is contained in a communique issued after the emergency National Executive Committee meeting of the Union signed
by its National Deputy President, Emmanuel Abioye.
The Union condemned the anti-labor disposition of Kaduna Governor, Nasir El Rufai and for illegally declaring the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba wanted.
It also frowns at the attitude of some State Chief Judges on their anti-constitutional disposition on the full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.
They are also demanding immediate payment of the withheld August 2020 salary and check-off dues accruing to the Ebonyi State Chapter of the Union.
The union also vowed to deal with any State found not fully complying with its directive on the ongoing strike action while urging members to remain resolute as the provisions of the constitutions are non-negotiable.
Also Read: Nigerian Governors’ Forum recommend N380 per litre petrol pump price
It, therefore, warns that no member of any branch or chapter of the Union should be victimized on account of the ongoing strike.
On the crisis between organized labour and the Kaduna State Government, the NGF reiterated its call for a quick resolution of the impasse in the interest of the State.
The Forum, however, stands with Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his quest to improve the productivity of workers and their rights for a better life.
The NGF noted that the crisis in Kaduna will eventually reverberate in other states.
It, therefore, urged State Governors to remain steadfast in the pursuit of the protection of human rights for the collective good of all citizens.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
