The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti to urgently consider resolving the ongoing industrial action by judiciary staff in the State.
The NUJ in a communique issued after her maiden 2025 Congress noted that the strike action has grounded the courts, and by extension, the administration of justice in the state.
The communique jointly endorsed by the Chairman, Chidi Asonye , Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu and three others, also enjoined the Governor to direct the immediate payment of pension arrears owed BCA retirees as well as pay severance allowance and gratuity to Permanent Secretaries and Directors affected by the compulsory eight-year retirement policy.
The Congress however thanked Governor Otti for regular payment of full monthly pension to Abia Retirees and for his numerous infrastructure development across all facets of the state economy, especially in the area of road infrastructure.
The Abia State Council of the NUJ however advised the state government not to relent in creating more access roads in the rural areas in order to boost economic activities in the hinterlands.
The Congress also lauded Governor Alex Otti for the upward review of the monthly stipends of traditional rulers across the state and called on the royal fathers as the chief security officers of their communities to work hand-in-hand with the security agencies to rid the rural communities of criminal elements.
The body, to this end, called on the state government to strengthen the Homeland security and other local security outfits in the state, including hunters and personnel of Abia State Community Vigilante to enable them perform optimally and secure surrounding bushes in view of the fast approaching farming season.
The Congress commended authorities of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture for coming up with the initiative of introducing the Agribusiness Incubation Centre meant to train farmers on new farming technologies to ensure food security, enhance value addition and boost commercial agriculture.
The NUJ, therefore, urged the state and local governments and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector to collaborate with the MOUAU Agribusiness Incubation Centre to bring modern agriculture to rural farmers to bring about increased food production, food sufficiency and stem the ravaging hunger in the land.
The Congress commended the immediate-past National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, for his leadership prowess exemplified by the innovations he brought into the leadership of the Union and for successfully conducting the National Triennial Delegates Conference tagged Owerri 2024 which saw the emergence of the immediate past Abia State Council Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Victor Ndukwe, as the new National Treasurer.
