The Kwara chapter of the Judicial Staff Union (JUSU) on Monday embarked on a seven-day warning strike to protest the verdict of the Supreme Court that reinstated former Chief Judge of Kwara Justice Raliat Habeeb-Elelu.
Habeeb-Elelu was removed in 2009 by former Gov. Bukola Saraki for alleged gross misconduct, but the Supreme Court on Friday reinstated her, asserting that Saraki did not follow the constitutional process in removing her from office.
The judicial activities in the state have been paralysed as a result of the warning strike, with the gates of court complex shut against the public by the union.
The Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which had earlier scheduled a meeting in its office within the complex had to hurriedly shift it to another venue at the Labour House.
The state Chairman of JUSU, Mrs Folake Laaro, said the union was against the reinstatement of the former Chief Judge.
She threatened that if the decision of the Supreme Court was not reversed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at the end of the warning strike, the union would embark on an indefinite strike.
“We have reiterated our respect for the Supreme Court, but the NJC must reverse its decision, to ward off any trouble that may be instigated by the reinstatement order.”
Another staff who pleaded anonymity said Elelu-Habeeb's reinstatement must be suspended in public interest.
“We respect the Supreme Court, but it is in public interest that she should be advised to go and retire in peace.”
A correspondent who visited the judiciary complex, reports that some handbills with messages decrying the reinstatement were pasted at the entrances of the premises.
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