Abia Judiciary Strike Drags On as State Government Demands Evidence Before Payment
The ongoing strike by judiciary workers in Abia State has entered a prolonged phase, with the state government maintaining its stance that payment of a disputed allowance will only be made upon receipt of verifiable evidence from the workers. The strike, initiated by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on March 15, 2026, centers on claims that workers are owed Leave Allowance, also known as Leave Bonus.
Government's Position on Payment and Evidence
In a press briefing held on Thursday evening at the Government House in Umuahia, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), outlined the government's position. He was accompanied by key officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha; the State Accountant-General, Deaconess Uju Onyemanam; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Relations, Comrade Godson Anucha.
Uwanna explained that upon receiving the workers' request for Leave Allowance payment, the Abia State Government, through the Office of the Accountant-General, discovered that the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) already includes a component referred to as Leave Bonus, which is equivalent to the Leave Allowance being demanded. "We asked the judiciary workers to provide evidence that there is no component of leave bonus in their salary," Uwanna stated.
He added that the government had requested details on how the workers arrived at their claims and confirmation that they had not previously received Leave Bonuses. However, according to Uwanna, the union has yet to provide this requested information, despite being asked to do so two days before the strike commenced on March 13.
Strike Action and Government Response
The strike began on March 15, following a notice issued by the workers on March 13 threatening industrial action if their demands were not met by midnight of that date. Uwanna noted that instead of submitting the requested evidence, the workers proceeded with the strike, which has now continued for an extended period.
He further clarified that the state government does not directly handle the salary structure of judiciary workers, as it falls under the judiciary arm of government, to which JUSUN belongs. The consolidated salary system is designed to incorporate all emoluments of a worker into a single structure, though payments may be made in different components.
Uwanna reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the issue promptly, stating that once JUSUN provides verifiable evidence that Leave Bonus is not included in their salaries, the government will process and pay the allowance within 48 hours. He also mentioned that findings indicate the Federal Government does not pay Leave Allowance separately to JUSUN members nationwide.
Impact and Ongoing Developments
The strike has disrupted judicial activities in Abia State, affecting court proceedings and related services. The government's insistence on evidence before payment highlights a broader issue of transparency and accountability in public sector salary disputes. As the standoff continues, both sides remain at an impasse, with workers demanding immediate payment and the government awaiting proof to justify the additional expenditure.
This situation underscores the complexities involved in salary structures within the judiciary and the need for clear communication between government bodies and labor unions to prevent such prolonged industrial actions.
