25th January 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, News, Governance And Development, Law And Society
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

It was a huge relief for everyone in Abia State when the government and Judiciary workers last Wednesday reached an agreement that led to the calling off of a protracted strike that almost crippled the courts in the State. The lingering labour crisis which was a carryover from the last administration in the State halted court operations in the State for a very long time.

The Abia State government led by Dr. Alex Otti has been locked in negotiations with the Judiciary workers under the banner of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on how to resolve the issues in contention so as to allow the courts to become operational. Thankfully, a breakthrough came and finally bringing to a happy closure the long-running dispute. Within this period, litigants and the rest of the populace that relies on the Judiciary for their sustenance could not access the courts.

The resolution of the stalemate followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State Government and JUSUN officials. This was announced at a press briefing in Umuahia by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu. He noted that the successful resolution of the stalemate was a consequence of series of high-level meetings where mutual understanding and trust were prioritized.

The highlights of the MOU included the immediate suspension of the strike and reopening of courts across the state; and the commitment of government to the payment of additional remuneration to judicial workers. The remuneration is to be processed for immediate remittance to the workers to ensure compliance with the new salary structure for Judiciary workers nationwide known as the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUSS).

The Information Commissioner, Kanu, described the resolution as a “testament to the governments commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship with labour unions”. He lauded the leadership of JUSUN in Abia for their understanding and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. The JUSUN officials, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the governments constructive approach, contrasting it with the hostility and intimidation they faced from the past administrations.

The resolution of this protracted strike has helped to restore public confidence in the judiciary. It also shows the enduring commitment of Governor Otti to the seamless operations of the judiciary as an independent and essential arm of government. It further underscores the concrete commitment of Otti`s administration to the rule of law. This is because as long as the judiciary is encumbered in any way, good governance would be similarly hampered. Good governance is principally anchored on the rule of law and accountability.

By seeing to the resolution of this crisis, Governor Otti has clearly proven himself as a leader who cherishes the rule of law, and therefore would not yield to any situation that could frustrate the judiciary from functioning as an independent arm of government.

The judicial workers are happy that the courts have reopened. They can now return to their duty posts and be able to earn a living and put food on the table for their families. Litigants and aggrieved parties that have cases before the courts can now have their cases heard and justice given to them, as it is often said that justice delayed is justice denied.

The government deserves a pat on the back for bringing this matter to a happy close. The judicial workers also deserve commendation for not taking to the path of violence while the negotiations lasted. A new Abia is indeed possible!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

~ NewsOrient

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