Abia Govt Moves To End Judiciary Strike, Clarifies Autonomy, Allowances
The Abia State Government has announced significant progress toward resolving the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, expressing optimism that normal judicial activities will resume soon.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at Government House, Umuahia, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said sustained engagements with key stakeholders have led to the resolution of most contentious issues, with negotiations now nearing conclusion.
Ekeoma explained that one of the major triggers of the industrial action—alleged non-payment of leave allowances—has been addressed. According to him, the government clarified that leave allowances are already embedded in the consolidated salaries of judiciary workers, a position that has now been acknowledged by the union.
He further noted that the adjustment of the allowance rate from five percent to ten percent, in line with the 2025 agreement, has been accepted, while outstanding arrears are being settled.
On the issue of judicial autonomy, Ekeoma maintained that the state government is already in substantial compliance. He explained that funds due to the judiciary are released monthly in bulk through appropriate channels, allowing the judicial arm to independently determine how such funds are utilized without executive interference.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Strategic Communication Bureau, Onyebuchi Ememanka, said the government had initially avoided media commentary to allow negotiations to progress without politicisation. However, he said it became necessary to respond following a communiqué issued by a forum of Nigerian Bar Association chairmen in the state, which he described as misleading and based on outdated information.
“The impression created does not reflect current realities. Engagements have been ongoing daily, and we are on the verge of resolving the issues,” Ememanka said.
He confirmed that the matter of leave allowances has been fully resolved, including payment of arrears, while progress has also been made in addressing pension-related concerns. He disclosed that verification of retired judiciary staff is currently underway to ensure accurate and transparent pension payments.
“No pensioner will be denied their entitlement. Verification is a standard process and remains open-ended to accommodate all retirees,” he added.
Ememanka also clarified the scope of judicial financial autonomy, noting that while the judiciary exercises control over its allocated funds, disbursements remain subject to the state’s monthly revenue realities. He argued that full financial autonomy, as interpreted by some stakeholders, would require constitutional amendments to allow direct disbursement from the federal level.
Responding to concerns raised by the NBA over alleged delays in official engagement, he attributed the situation to administrative and scheduling constraints, dismissing claims of neglect.
Both officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, expressing confidence that the lingering issues will be resolved and the strike called off in the coming days.
