Former National Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Victor Nwaugo, has raised the alarm over the telling effect of the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State Chapter, saying the prolonged shutdown of courts in the state is inflicting untold hardship on litigants, inmates, and legal practitioners.
Abia courts have been shut for close to two months as a result of industrial action embarked upon by JUSUN.
Speaking with newsmen, Nwaugo described the nearly two months old industrial action as a major disruption to the justice system in the state, noting that lawyers who depend on daily court appearances for livelihood are among the worst hit.
“I’m deeply concerned and personally affected,” he said, adding, “private lawyers who survive on court sittings are losing income, while ordinary citizens are subjected to needless hardship.”
Nwaugo added that beyond economic losses, the strike is undermining access to justice, with grave consequences for individuals caught in the judicial process.
“People who should have regained their freedom remain in custody. Some have been granted bail and met their conditions, yet cannot be released because courts are not sitting.
“Others whose cases were adjourned are left in limbo. It’s a painful situation,” he lamented.
He urged JUSUN to consider reopening the courts, since according to him, ongoing negotiations with the state government have already addressed most of the union’s demands.
On the issue of judicial autonomy, the lawyer questioned the basis of the agitation, pointing out that the Chief Judge, as head of the judiciary, has not publicly raised concerns.
“If there are issues with financial autonomy, the Chief Judge should be in the best position to speak.” he added.
Nwaugo also faulted the action of five out of six NBA branch chairmen in the state who recently threatened to join the strike if the impasse is not resolved, describing their stance as irregular and lacking due process.
“The NBA does not operate a state structure. What we have are independent branches. Any resolution must come from a properly convened meeting of members at the branch level,” he explained.
“A few chairmen cannot unilaterally take a decision on behalf of hundreds of lawyers. That is not binding.”
He cautioned that such actions risk escalating tensions rather than resolving the crisis.
“The role of the NBA should be to encourage dialogue, not to inflame the situation. At a time when both parties are close to agreement, it is wrong to introduce fresh threats,” he said.
Recall that JUSUN went on strike over demands for leave allowance and autonomy of the judiciary in the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), accused the union of embarking on strike without submitting payroll details to justify its claim, noting that no documentation had been provided to prove their claims.
Uwanna maintained that existing records indicate leave bonus is part of judiciary workers’ emoluments and added that similar workers under the consolidated salary structure do not receive separate leave allowances.
