By Our Correspondent
National News – The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Abia State has been urged by the state government to suspend its ongoing strike and provide proof of unpaid leave bonuses, with authorities promising payment within 48 hours after verification.
The directive was issued on Thursday in Umuahia by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, alongside other top officials.
The government explained that the dispute began when JUSUN demanded leave allowance payments, claiming they were not included in their salaries.
However, officials said findings from the Accountant General’s office indicated that judiciary workers already receive a consolidated salary structure that includes a leave bonus component.
Uwanna noted that the union had yet to submit detailed evidence proving otherwise, despite being asked to clarify how their claims were calculated.
According to the government, JUSUN issued a strike notice on March 13, threatening industrial action by March 15 if payments were not made.
Authorities argued that a consolidated salary merges all entitlements, including allowances, making separate leave payments unnecessary unless proven otherwise.
Uwanna emphasized that once JUSUN provides verifiable documentation showing the absence of a leave bonus component, the state would process and complete payment within 48 hours.
The government also raised concerns about delayed staff verification in the judiciary, alleging that the exercise had been repeatedly obstructed by union members.
Officials suggested the timing of the strike coincided with the planned verification process, raising suspicions about possible irregularities, including the presence of unverified or “ghost” workers on the payroll.
Furthermore, the delay in verification has reportedly stalled pension payments to retired judiciary staff.
The government urged JUSUN to call off the strike to allow completion of the verification exercise and ensure pensioners receive their benefits promptly.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to workers’ welfare, stating that salaries and pensions are consistently paid before the 28th of each month.
They called on judiciary workers to cooperate by submitting required documentation to resolve the dispute swiftly.
