April 11, 2026 | Politics | SUNTV Global Channel
The ongoing strike by judiciary workers in Abia State has intensified, as the state government and union leaders remain locked in a heated disagreement over the issue of leave allowance.
Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) embarked on an indefinite strike on March 15, accusing the administration of Alex Otti of failing to pay their leave allowance—an allegation the government strongly denies.
The industrial action has since paralysed court activities across the state, disrupting the justice system and leaving many legal matters on hold.
Speaking at the Government House in Umuahia, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, dismissed the claims by the workers, insisting that the issue stems from a misunderstanding rather than non-payment.
According to him, the leave allowance being demanded is already embedded in the workers’ salary under what he described as a “leave bonus” within a consolidated pay structure.
“Consolidated salary means all benefits are merged and paid in parts,” Uwanna explained, adding that the government has not defaulted on any financial obligation to judiciary staff.
He further noted that, based on available records, similar arrangements exist at the federal level, where certain categories of workers—such as judicial staff and medical personnel—do not receive separate leave allowances due to the consolidated salary system.
Uwanna also revealed that when the union formally requested the allowance, the Office of the Accountant General asked JUSUN to provide evidence showing that their salaries do not already include a leave bonus component. However, he said no such proof has been submitted.
The state government maintains that its findings clearly indicate that judiciary workers’ earnings already cover the disputed allowance, insisting that the agitation is based on a misinterpretation of the salary structure.
Despite the deadlock, the government has expressed willingness to continue dialogue with the union to resolve the issue and restore normal judicial operations.
Authorities say they remain open to reviewing their position if the union presents verifiable evidence, stressing that cooperation from both sides is key to ending the impasse.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring you timely updates on this unfolding situation.
