NLC To Mobilize Edo Workers Against Attempt To Repeal Judiciary Autonomy Law, 2021

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to mobilize all its progressive affiliate unions to demonstrate against attempt by the Edo State House of Assembly to tamper with the Edo State House of Assembly and Judiciary Autonomy Law, 2021.

A statement Monday in Benin City by the caretaker committee chairman, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen reiterated its full solidarity with the Edo State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in its ongoing protest.

The caretaker committee chairman reiterated the determination of the union to sustain the peaceful resistance should there be any attempt to gamble with the autonomy law.

Prof. Igbafen , a lawyer recalled that the Supreme Court of Nigeria spoke unequivocally in 2022 when it nullified Executive Order 10 and upheld the autonomy of state legislatures and the judiciary. 

Continuing, the statement added that In doing so, the court affirmed Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees financial independence for both arms of government at the state level.

Prof. Igbafen added: "Any attempt to repeal or tamper with the State Autonomy Law of 2021 is a direct assault on the sacred principle of separation of powers.

"No society can thrive where justice is caged, and where the temple of justice is made to bow before the executive."

The union called on the lawmakers to heed the voice of reason and wisdom and abandon any illusion of amending the state law and instead embrace people-oriented legislation that strengthens democracy, protects institutions, and secures justice for all Edo people.