Anambra judicial workers begin indefinite strike

• Only security personnel were present, with no magistrates, judges, or staff in sight
  

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Judicial workers in Anambra State have commenced an indefinite strike under the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) due to the state government’s refusal to pay the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS).

Court proceedings at the High Courts at Ekwueme Square, Chief Magistrate’s Courts, and Customary Courts in Amawbia, Awka, were halted as premises were deserted.

Only security personnel were present, with no magistrates, judges, or staff in sight. Lawyers and litigants were turned away at locked entrance gates, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

JUSUN State Chairman, Mr. Henry Ezeoke, stated that the strike is in protest of the state government’s failure to honor agreements made in 2011 and 2015 regarding CONJUS payments.

“The action resulted from the state government’s refusal to pay CONJUS as agreed upon in 2011 and 2015 respectively,” Ezeoke said.

“We have explored all possible avenues, but the state government has refused to comply with the agreement on the implementation of CONJUS.

“The union earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government, but it was ignored. We believe that downing tools is the only language the government will understand.

Therefore, the strike will last indefinitely until the government meets the conditions and pending further directives by the union.”