JUSUN Strike: NBA Threatens Protest, Gives Abia Govt 14-Day Deadline

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), representing its five branches in Abia State, has given the state government a 14-day deadline to resolve the ongoing strike by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), warning of a possible mass protest if its demands are not met.

The strike, which began on March 16, 2026, stems from the alleged non-implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between JUSUN and the state government on June 14, 2023.

In a communiqué issued after its 10th quarterly meeting, the Body of Chairmen of Abia Bar — covering Aba, Umuahia, Isiala Ngwa, Ukwa, and Bende — disclosed that it had written to Governor Alex Otti on April 1, 2026, requesting dialogue, but has received no response.

Efforts to engage the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, also failed, as he declined a physical meeting and suggested a virtual alternative, which the NBA rejected.

According to the NBA, its branch chairmen met with the JUSUN leadership, headed by Prince Chinedu Eze, who presented the MoU signed by Uwanna (then a legal aide to the governor) and the Chief Registrar of the Abia State High Court, Mrs. V. C. Okey-Nwokeukwu.

The agreement, the NBA noted, allows JUSUN to resume strike action in the event of a breach and remains binding on all parties.

The association emphasized the need for judicial independence, condemning the continued lack of financial autonomy for the Abia State judiciary.

It stated:

“The Bar demands that the Government of Abia State should grant financial autonomy to the Abia State Judiciary without further delay.”

“Funds due… must be paid directly… from the Consolidated Revenue Fund so that the JUSUN strike can be immediately suspended or called off.”

The NBA warned of consequences if the situation remains unresolved:

“If… the demands… are not complied with, the Body of Chairmen will… mobilize lawyers… to stage a mass protest…”

The group also expressed frustration over the government’s silence, noting that its request for a meeting with Governor Otti remains unattended.

Reaffirming the legality of the MoU, the NBA declared:

“The Memorandum of Understanding… is still sacrosanct… and binding on all the parties.”

It further criticized the government’s approach, stating:

“The Abia State Government… should not be allowed to cherry-pick what aspect of the Constitution to obey.”

The NBA also challenged claims made by the Attorney General, insisting:

“The facts… are grievously false… and… cannot take the place of hard facts and evidence.”

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