Security personnel barred members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Benin branch from entering Edo State Government House, Benin City on Monday.

The protesting workers were prevented from entering the State’s House to deliver a message to the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in line with the directive of the national body of NBA.

judiciary workers under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had declared an indefinite strike to demand for autonomy.

But Edo State Chapter of JUSUN, stayed away from the strike, citing a “no work, no pay” policy that cost them seven months salaries arrears during the tenure of the previous administration in the State.

President Muhammadu Buhari had signed an executive order which grants judicial autonomy to the judiciary.

Addressing journalists in Benin, the NBA Benin branch Chairman, Mr. Pius Oiwoh, lamented the development, but exonerated governor Godwin Obaseki of any wrong doing.

He said they were at the government house to deliver a consolidators letter to the governor as directed by the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olumide Akpata.

“We want to ensure that the provision of section 121, subsection 53 of the1999 Constitution as amended comes to fruition.

“We went to the Edo state government house but were refused access by security men on duty.

“I don’t want to believe that his excellency, the Governor of Edo State directed what happened and by this, we have assured them that we will be here by next Monday,” he said.

Unlike most States in the Federation, the Edo State House of Assembly led by its former Speaker, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto aligned with fee other States and voted against judicial autonomy.

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