In a jubilant atmosphere, workers within the judicial service of Abia State are celebrating as Governor Dr. Alex Otti fulfills his commitment to settle salary arrears lingering for eight years, as reported by ABN TV.
The elated workers, owed since January 2015, had previously undertaken an indefinite strike against the previous state government, pressing for their demands. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko, disclosed that the workers’ demands included the confirmation of Justice Lilian Abai as the substantive Chief Judge, payment of arrears of Consolidated Judiciary Staff Salary Structure, settlement of leave allowances, and the assurance of judicial autonomy.
Governor Otti, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, intervened in the labor dispute, and the workers, organized under the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State Chapter, called off their strike in June 2023 following the Governor’s promise to address their concerns.
The previous administration had only fulfilled one of the four demands—confirming Justice Abai as Chief Judge—despite Governor Otti’s assurance that he would confirm her after being sworn in. However, Otti’s intervention led to the resolution of the strike, and the subsequent fulfillment of his promise to settle the outstanding salary arrears.
Expressing their gratitude, JUSUN members, led by Chairman Oracle Chinedu Eze, acknowledged the Abia State Government’s prompt action in initiating the payment of the consolidated salary arrears. The workers conveyed their appreciation for the first batch of Consolidated Judiciary Staff Salary Structure (CONJUSS) arrears, confirming that they have begun receiving the payments.
The fulfillment of Governor Alex Otti’s commitment marks a significant milestone for the judicial workers in Abia State, bringing relief and joy to the members of JUSUN who had long awaited the resolution of their longstanding salary arrears.
