Abia Govt Condemns Judiciary Workers For Protesting Amid Negotiation
The Abia State Government has expressed surprise over a prayer session and protest organized by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State Chapter, on Wednesday, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute over unpaid salaries and adjustments to the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).
The prayer session, held in front of the State High Court in Umuahia, saw members of JUSUN calling on divine intervention to ensure their salaries are paid.
The workers had reactivated a previously suspended strike on January 2, citing the government’s alleged refusal to implement the appropriate salary adjustments as per the new minimum wage.
During the protest, the JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Chinedu Eze, explained that the strike stemmed from the state government’s failure to meet their demands.
“We are having a prayer session for God to protect us, to keep us till the end of this struggle.
“Whatever it is that is holding the funds from being made available to us, for us to pay our members, God will take care of it.
“If the government makes available the funds which are within their ability to do so, our members will be paid and the strike will be suspended,” Eze stated.
The union also lamented the hardships faced by its members, with Comrade Ukonu Edward, the union’s PRO, questioning why the state government has not respected their autonomy.
“Other members, including Stephen Idika and Nwogu Glory, shared personal accounts of the financial difficulties caused by the delayed payments, appealing to Governor Alex Otti to address the issue promptly.
Reacting to the protest, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, expressed shock at the gathering, especially as a meeting between JUSUN leaders and a high-powered government delegation had been held the previous night and was set to resume later that evening.
“It does appear that there is some level of insincerity, some politics that is not well headed in this matter,” Kanu said.
He added that the state government had already credited the Judiciary account with 310 million Naira to cover November and December salaries, as well as the 13th month.
Kanu emphasized the administration’s commitment to resolving the issue, stating that Governor Alex Otti prioritizes workers’ welfare and is committed to amicably settling the matter.
“Their leaders wouldn’t have come to negotiate with the government only last night and today there’s a protest, So there’s a problem somewhere. Having said that, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti is committed to workers’ welfare in this state,” Kanu stated.
The government urged JUSUN members to align with their leaders and remain patient as the negotiations continue, while calling for an end to actions that could jeopardize the progress made so far.
Abia Govt Condemns Judiciary Workers For Protesting Amid Negotiation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
