Ogun Workers’ strike may stall Daniel’s Bail Application

Daniel

Oct 14, 2011 – Ogun Workers’ strike may stall Daniel’s Bail Application – There are fears that the bail application of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel may not be heard today because of the ongoing strike by judicial workers. The strike may stall the hearing of the application.

Daniel, who is facing a 16-count charge of stealing public funds, fraudulent conversion of public assets to personal use, failure to declare assets truthfully, and fraudulent use of Ogun State landed property is expected to return to court this morning. He is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Daniel was arraigned on Wednesday and his counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), filed his bail application the same day.
A visit to the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta yesterday showed that the courts were deserted. The gates leading to the Magistrate and High courts were not only locked but barricaded with wooden and metal materials.

The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike which entered its third day today is to protest the new tax regime introduced by the government. 

The JUSUN Chairman, Mr. Sina Adesanya, told reporters in Abeokuta yesterday that if there was nothing positive from the government before midnight, the warning strike would persist till next week regardless of its effects on the justice system.
“If the strike continues, that case cannot come up, until the end of the strike. We are also part of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and none of us would be on ground as all of us must stay at home,” Adesanya said.

The NLC and the government are quarrelling over the alleged poor treatment meted out to public servants under the new tax regime and some illegal allegedly were said not remitted to the appropriate quarters.

But the Information and Strategy Commissioner, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Taiwo Abiodun Adeoluwa, had repeatedly said no new tax regime was introduced. They explained that all the Amosun administration has done is effective implementation of the existing tax laws.

Olaniyonu and Adeoluwa challenged any civil servant who believes he or she is being overtaxed to come forward to make a case and if proven, the person would be refunded even with interest.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, a chartered accountant, on assumption of office, promised to raise the revenue profile partly through ensuring payment of all bills, rates and taxes due to the state.(the nation)