By Yekini Jimoh
The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, has announced that arrangements have been concluded for the judiciary of Kogi State to commence the payment of the new minimum wage of N72,500 to its workers starting in November.
He made this disclosure during a meeting with the management staff of the various components of the judiciary, including the Judicial Service Commission, the High Court of Justice, the Sharia Court of Appeal, the Customary Court of Appeal, and the leadership of the state’s branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
Addressing the audience on developments related to the implementation of the new minimum wage in the judiciary, he revealed that the judiciary had been in discussions with the government since it initially missed out on the wage due to the unique implementation process for the judiciary when the process commenced in the state last month.
However, following productive deliberations between the heads of the courts and government representatives, the technical inputs required for the implementation of the new wage were finalized. The new wage will now be implemented in the judiciary with effect from October.
The Chief Judge thanked Governor Ahmed Ododo and other state agencies for their collaboration in ensuring that the new salary scheme is implemented in the judiciary.
Reiterating that the welfare of workers remains a priority, which will never be compromised for any other interest, the Chief Judge assured judiciary workers of the government’s commitment to promptly addressing their concerns, needs, rights, and welfare in general.
Adding that the leadership of the state judiciary works within the same precinct, his lordship appealed to workers of the institution to reciprocate the government’s kind gesture with loyalty and dedication to effective and effectual performance of their responsibilities.
While also reminding them that conscious contributions to the development of the state were imperative, he said civilised and peaceful dialogue with the state on matters of interest and demands should always be adopted.
He advised workers to eschew rumour-mongering but rather be intelligent enough to consistently place their opinions and statements on verifiable facts as a reflection of the organisation where they are working.
He further appreciated the state government for the renewed intention and agenda to make the Kogi State Judiciary an enviable institution in the country, with particular inference to the state governor for his positive contributions to the welfare of judges by providing them with official vehicles and also commencing the renovation of courts in the state.
In a swift reaction to the development on minimum wage, the leadership of JUSUN issued a bulletin signed by its Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Waniko, to its members to celebrate the good news: “The Union is happy to announce to you that the state government has approved the payment of the minimum wage for staff of Kogi State Judiciary with effect from October 2024,” states the bulletin.
This is even as the Union also reckoned with and appreciated the judiciary leadership’s efforts towards the implementation of the new minimum wage for its members: “The Union appreciates the Hon. Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, and his brother heads of courts for their efforts to see to the implementation of the minimum wage for Kogi State Judiciary staff,” the Union message read.
