The Abia State Government has announced a resolution to the industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which has paralyzed judicial activities across the state.
Judiciary workers had shut down operations in all 17 local government areas, halting court cases and official correspondences since the strike began. However, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday between the government and JUSUN leadership, marking the conclusion of negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government confirmed that the agreement addressed issues surrounding the implementation of the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUSS). The commissioner noted that the additional payments agreed upon are being processed for immediate remittance.
“Consequent upon the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, all differences in the implementation of the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure have been resolved. The government, therefore, expects that the ongoing strike action will be called off immediately to facilitate the reopening of our courts,” the statement read.
The leadership of JUSUN is expected to convene a congress soon to formally call off the strike, allowing judicial activities to resume.
Judiciary Workers Organize Prayer Session
Meanwhile, members of JUSUN held a prayer session in front of the State High Court in Umuahia, the state capital, seeking divine intervention for the resolution of their grievances.
Speaking during the session, Abia JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Chinedu Eze, accused the government of initially failing to implement the appropriate adjustments to the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure under the new minimum wage.
He lamented the hardship faced by members during the strike, revealing that two members had reportedly died, while others struggled to pay rent and school fees due to the prolonged lack of income.
This agreement is expected to bring relief to the state’s judiciary and restore access to justice for residents after months of stalled operations.
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