Suspension of JUSUN strike: a sign of excellent labour relationship between Gov. Otti and Abia workforce
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Abia State Government and the Abia state branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to end the union’s industrial action has again, proved Gov. Alex Otti’s commitment to the welfare of Abia workers.
A statement by the State’s Commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu, had stated that the (MOU) followed the conclusion of negotiations between Abia State Government and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The statement further added that JUSUN will soon convene a congress as soon as possible to officially call off the strike.
The statement read, “Consequent upon the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, all differences in the implementation of the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUSS) have been resolved.
Government announces that the agreed additional amount to be paid to JUSUN is being processed for remittances.
“Government therefore expects that the ongoing strike action be called off immediately to pave the way for the reopening of our courts”.
The speedy attention given to request of JUSUN on the implementation of the new minimum wage inline with the CONJUSS shows that the Otti’s led administration is readily willing to listen to complains of Abia workers and prefer solution to them with delay.
Gov. Otti has shown that access to justice is an irreducible minimum in a democracy through the various support his administration has given to the judiciary since he took over the leadership of the state.
Inline with his campaign promise that under his watch, centres of justice administration in the state shall have a more functional appeal, the governor in October 2024 flagged off the construction of modern court buildings across all 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The project, which kicked off at the Umuene Magistrate Court in Isialangwa South LGA, is aimed at providing a conducive environment for the state’s judiciary.
The building of the new Court halls speaks volumes of Gov. Otti’s commitment to building a community with access to justice.
The initiative points to fact that the governor is willing to work with the Judiciary and other stakeholders to build an ecosystem where justice is the order of the day.
The project also shows the governor’s vision of working closely with the judicial arm of government to create robust channels for the speedy dispensation of justice.
There is no doubt that when completed the new and conducive work environment that will emerge will strengthen the judicial system in the state and ensure it meets the demands of 21st-century judicial service delivery.
Again, the administration of the justice system in Abia state is undergoing digital transformation.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, had explained that the idea to ensure from the probate registry to the high court, to the magistrate court, the customary court of appeal , arrangements have been made for the scanning of all these documents, so that the documents can be stored in a central storage system and accessed within seconds from any part of the state.
As JUSUN members resumes work by next week it expected that the judiciary would continue to uphold the rule of law, fair hearing and quick dispensation of Justice.
#Gov. Otti is Building the new Abia!
#To God be glory!
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Umuahia.