JUSUN strike grounds Abia judiciary as workers make demands

Activities in Abia State judiciary have been grounded by a fourteen days strike action declared by members of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Abia State chapter.

The strike which commenced on Tuesday, has been enforced by Abia State chapter of JUSUN, despite alleged failed plot by a faction of the union to frustrate it.

The judiciary workers are demanding the confirmation of acting Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai as the substantive Chief Judge.

A statement signed by Abia State Chairman of JUSUN, Prince Eze and Secretary, Edward Ukonu said the judiciary staff called for the confirmation of the acting Chief Judge.

They are also demanding their inclusion among the civil servants to benefit from leave allowance payment announced by the State government in March, 2023 among other demands.

The statement by the judiciary workers said they would be away from service for fourteen days, to press home their demands.

It would be recalled that a an enforcement team from JUSUN had stormed the Umuahia judicial complex on Tuesday, sealing the entrance to the High Court and preventing any judicial activity in the Court.

To forestall a breakdown of law and order, the Abia State Police Command drafted Police squads to the High Court complex.

When Track news reporter visited the Umuahia High Court complex on Wednesday, two security staff of the Court were heard directing people to “come back in two weeks time”.

The front gates were also under lock and key.

Those who came to swear affidavit in the Court were seen loitering outside the gate in disappointment.

Also Abia State election petition tribunal which uses the Court complex, may be relocated to a new venue, according to a competent source