The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, SAN Tuesday lauded workers in the judiciary for keeping the wheel of Justice rolling through collective efforts.
The CJN also describe as a clear demonstration of the dignity of labour the contributions of judiciary judges and its workers in nation building.
Muhammad heaped the praises while giving a goodwill message at a lecture marking the 2020/2l legal year Celebration of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
While describing the topic for the lecture titled; ‘Dignity of labour and labour justice’ as apt considering the present circumstances, he noted that the Justice sector has enhanced access to justice despite the enormous risk posed by COVID-l9.
He said, “Let me use this opportunity to commend everyone in the Justice sector for acting promptly to ensure that access to justice and justice delivery were not hindered despite the enormous risk posed by the pandemic.
In the same vein, I thank the NJC committee on COVID-l9 and everyone in the Justice sector for their tireless efforts to make our courts and access to justice possibility,”
The CJN who was represented by Justice Musa Abba Aji then enjoined all stakeholders to join hands in the quest to do justice to all people without fear or favour.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the president of the court, Justice Bakwaph Kanyip described the twin concepts of dignity of labour and labour justice’ in terms of the right to work as not just about the right to be employed, but to be given work when employed.
According to Kanyip, the role of the court especially as a specialized court was not solely the enforcement of mere contractual rights, saying the jurisdiction can also be invoked to prevent unfair labour practice.
In his own remarks, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who also hailed the advocacy for better welfare and reward for labour assured both the court and the labour that the lawmakers are willing to be partners in progress.
Gbajabiamila added that workers in the country should be encouraged and dignified as obtainable in Austria and other parts of the world.
The guest lecturer at the occasion and Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Father Hassan Mathew Kukah warned that workers should not just have dignity of labour, but must also get justice.
In brief remarks, former president of the court, Rtd. Justice Babatunde Adejumo praised the judges on the bench for their performance over the years.
He nevertheless applauded the court for organising the lecture, assuring that his door was opened for professional advice.
At the programme, the President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba also lamented that labour justice has depreciated over the years, saying the system of reward is not working for the country.
“Labour are wealth creators who must be respected in line with the Philladelphia Charter of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
