As the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, industrial action reaches 32 working days of shutting down courts across the country, the Delta State Government has granted full autonomy to it’s Judiciary sectors in line with the provisions of law.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, made this known in Asaba when he received the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Marshal Umukoro, who came with other judges in the state’s judiciary to the Government House to intimate the governor of his impending retirement.
JUSUN had on April 6 directed its members to shut down all courts across the country to demand Financial Autonomy as enshrined in the constitution.
According to the governor, with the signing of Judiciary Autonomy law in January, 2021 and the setting up of the relevant committees by the Chief Judge, the state is ready to begin the process of implementing full autonomy for the judiciary.
The governor stated that the House of Assembly in the state had been enjoying autonomy since two years ago even when some states were yet to start the process till date.
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“I have never been against it, and that’s why we went ahead to push for the law. The House of Assembly has been operating their own autonomy since two years even before they started talking about it in this country.
He explained that with the commencement of the full process, the Chief Judge had been empowered to effect his own direct approvals without having to resort to the governor.
“I am very happy to do that because it reduces the number of files on my table. So, I want to announce the full autonomy of the judiciary with the setting up of the committees.
“I am not doing this for any gains. I believe that it’s right and just; I believe too that it’s in the best interest of governance in our nation and that’s how we have also thought about it in the House of Assembly.
He thanked judges in the state for their role in ensuring delivery of justice.
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Earlier, Justice Umukoro had said that he led the judges to visit the governor as part of the valedictory activities leading to his disengagement as a judicial officer and head of the judicial arm of government in Delta.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Okowa for his support to him since he became the helmsman of the judiciary in 2015.
“Since I came on board six years ago, you treated me as a brother and I am grateful for your support even during the death of my wife.
“As Chief Judge of Delta, I can confidently say that we have never had any crisis and we have been able to manage ourselves effectively.
“I am here to deeply appreciate you for supporting me throughout my tenure as Chief Judge of the State and to also thank you for approving the process for the implementation of full autonomy for the state judiciary,” he stated.
