The Nasarawa State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has urged security agencies to investigate a violent incident that occurred during the screening of candidates for its upcoming state executive elections.
In a communique issued to journalists in Lafia on Monday, the union’s chairman, Sunday Daniel, strongly condemned the attack on a contestant’s vehicle by a suspected hoodlum at the screening venue in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The union also decried the assault on its National Returning Officer, allegedly carried out by some contestants, who were also accused of destroying electoral materials during the event.
“JUSUN Nasarawa State frowns on the unjustifiable attack on the vehicle of one of the contestants by an unidentified hoodlum, the attack on the National Returning Officer, and the destruction of electoral materials by some contestants at the venue of the screening in Akwanga,” the statement read.
Describing the attacks as “highly condemned and unacceptable,” the union called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and identify those responsible. It also appealed to the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State to assist in ensuring justice is served.
The union further warned members to disregard any congress meeting or caretaker committee initiated by a self-styled group, asserting that only duly elected JUSUN officials are authorized to convene such meetings in accordance with the union’s constitution.
“It is only the elected officials of JUSUN that have the right to call for a congress meeting as enshrined in our constitution, Rule 17(1a and b),” the communique noted.
On the issue of leadership transition, the union emphasized that the power to constitute a caretaker committee lies solely with the National Working Committee in cases where elections are not conducted as scheduled, in line with Rule 6a and b of the JUSUN Constitution.
The statement concluded by advising members and the public to ignore any unauthorized meetings or announcements by unidentified individuals.
