Despite the memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by the Abia State government and the State branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), on the resolution of the conflict resulting from the implementation of the new minimum wage for Judiciary workers in the State, Court premises are still under lock and key.
Abians, Litigants and Lawyers had heaved a sigh of relief on Thursday following the announcement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu of the end of the dispute and the expected resumption of work by the Judiciary Staff .
Speaking in some local Radio Stations in Umuahia on the insistence by JUSUN to continue the strike action, the Secretary of the Union, Mr Chiueze Nwachukwu blamed the situation on the State government that has failed to release the required amount of money since Thursday last week as agreed for the immediate clearance of the arrears owed members starting from October, 2024.
Mr Nwachukwu who called on the Government to urgently implement the MOU which is in the interest of all Stakeholders, noted that the state congress of the Union earlier scheduled to discuss the MOU this Monday was postponed as result of government’s inability to honour its words.
“We postponed the congress because the state government has not compiled with part of the agreement.
“Like I said earlier, the position is that the state government would credit the Judiciary with the additional sums that are required, and upon receipt of the money , the Union shall suspend the industrial action,” he pointed out.
On why they could not commence payment of the arrears with the money said to have been released to them earlier, the JUSUN Secretary noted that paying part of the arrears would not in way bring about the suspension of the action as what is contained in the agreement is total clearance of the arrears.
“What we should be looking at is the ability of the state government to implement or honour the agreement reached.
“It is not about starting payment with what we have. Even if you ask us to start paying with what we have, the strike will still not be suspended because it is not what is in the agreement.
“JUSUN is not known for derailing in agreements. So we cannot go and do what is not stated in the agreement, ” Nwachukwu stressed.
On the issue of total independence and financial autonomy for the Judiciary, Mr Nwachukwu enjoined the Abia state government to implement it , describing it as the only way to ensure hitc free delivery of justice.
