Workers under the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria Akwa Ibom State branch have issued a one month ultimatum to the Akwa Ibom State Government, demanding the immediate release of outstanding entitlements or face industrial action.
In a strike notice addressed to Governor Umo Eno, the union warned that it would embark on a strike if the government fails to meet its obligations within the stipulated period. The demands include payment of the 2025 robe allowance for lawyers, 2024 and 2025 promotion arrears, salary arrears for court assessors, and correction of discrepancies in the CONAKEJUSS progressive salary table.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after the union congress held on January 30, 2026, at the Justice Idiong Multipurpose Hall, Judiciary Headquarters, Uyo. The congress was presided over by the Branch Chairman, Comrade Katele Ajah, and attended by members of the Executive Committee and representatives from the 16 judicial divisions across the state.
While the union commended Governor Eno for approving a 15 percent increase in peculiar allowance for judiciary staff and a 1.5 million naira refreshment package during the 2025 Workers Day celebration, it expressed dissatisfaction over the non implementation of the 15 percent arrears effective from April 2025.
The union also described the allocation of 1,000 employment slots to the judiciary as inadequate, calling for an increase to at least 2,500 to address manpower shortages caused by retirements and other exits since 2013. It further urged the prioritisation of temporary staff during recruitment.
Citing constitutional provisions, the union opposed the imposition of a unified state employment portal on the judiciary, arguing that it undermines the functions of the Judicial Service Commission.
The congress resolved to commence a three day warning strike if the government fails to respond positively after the one month notice.
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