The Abia State Government has taken steps to address the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, stating that any confirmed outstanding payments will be cleared within 48 hours once proper verification is completed.

Speaking to journalists at Government House in Umuahia, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, explained that the government is currently awaiting documentary proof from the union to substantiate claims that judiciary workers are owed leave bonuses.

He noted that records from the Office of the Accountant General suggest that judiciary employees’ consolidated salaries already contain a component labelled “Leave Bonus,” which the government believes corresponds to the “Leave Allowance” being demanded by the union. According to him, once it is clearly established—through evidence—that such a component does not exist within their salary structure, the government will proceed with payment within 48 hours.

Uwanna further revealed that although the union had earlier issued a strike notice over unmet demands, it did not provide the requested salary breakdown to support its claims. He explained that under consolidated salary arrangements, all benefits are typically merged into a single payment, adding that similar systems apply at the federal level where leave allowances are not paid separately.

The commissioner also expressed concern over the refusal of judiciary staff to take part in an ongoing verification exercise initiated by the state, describing the lack of cooperation as a major setback in resolving salary and pension-related issues. He disclosed that the exercise, which was meant to begin on the same day the strike commenced, could not proceed due to non-participation by union members.

Uwanna questioned whether the boycott was coincidental or a deliberate effort to hinder the process, warning that it could allow irregularities, including the presence of ghost workers, to persist. He added that the situation is already affecting retired judiciary workers, who are currently unable to access their pensions.

He therefore appealed to the union to suspend the strike and allow the verification process to continue, stressing that pensioners should not suffer delays in receiving their entitlements.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the government of Alex Otti remains focused on prompt salary payments and resolving labour disputes amicably.

In her remarks, the state Accountant General, Njum Onyemanam, pointed out that the judiciary operates an independent payroll system and must provide the necessary documentation before any financial claims can be processed. She reiterated that while the government is committed to paying workers and pensioners on or before the 28th of each month, all procedures must be properly followed.

The state government once again urged JUSUN to submit the required evidence, call off the strike, and cooperate with the verification exercise to enable a quick resolution of the dispute.