Judiciary Protest in Osun: Tear Gas Disperses Demonstrators as Chief Judge Resumes Office
In a tense turn of events, police operatives intervened on Wednesday to disperse members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Osun State who had been staging protests.
The demonstration, which commenced on Monday, was a response to perceived abuse of office and high-handedness by Chief Judge Adepele Ojo.
Chief Judge Ojo returned to her office on Wednesday, prompting the protesters to converge as her vehicle entered the premises.
With the gate left open, the demonstrators moved towards the parking area. In response, police personnel deployed teargas to scatter the protesters, leading to a dispersal as individuals sought safety in different directions.
After the incident, Gbenga Eludire, the Chairman of Osun JUSUN, expressed dissatisfaction with the police action and the conduct of Chief Judge Ojo.
Eludire, addressing journalists, declared, “Following the action of the police and attitude of the Chief Judge, I, Comrade Gbenga Eludire, hereby ordered that workers in the sector should withdraw their service till further notice.”
The protest, which disrupted activities at the State High Court since Monday, had been a manifestation of discontent within the judiciary sector regarding the alleged actions of Chief Judge Ojo.
The use of teargas to disperse the protesters adds a contentious layer to the ongoing standoff.
The incident raises concerns about the relationship between the judiciary and its workforce, highlighting tensions that have led to a work withdrawal directive from the JUSUN Chairman.
The disruption of court proceedings in Osun State underscores the significance of addressing internal issues within the judiciary to maintain a functional and harmonious legal system.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and the public await further developments, hoping for a resolution that fosters cooperation and addresses the grievances raised by the protesting judiciary staff.
Source: PUNCH
