Building a Stronger Abia Judiciary: Governor Otti’s Focus on Teamwork, Patriotism, and Worker Welfare
Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a New Abia prioritizes the total welfare of all Abia workers, including those in the Judiciary arm of the government. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Otti has consistently demonstrated his commitment to regular payment of workers’ salaries, pensions, and other entitlements.
This commitment showcases his administration’s prioritization of worker welfare and dedication to creating a conducive work environment. A notable example of Governor Otti’s concern for Judiciary workers’ welfare is his swift provision of official vehicles to Judges appointed by the previous administration. This gesture enabled the Judges to perform their duties effectively and underscores Governor Otti’s willingness to address Judiciary workers’ needs.
By providing necessary tools and resources, Governor Otti demonstrated his commitment to supporting the Judiciary in upholding justice and promoting the rule of law. Governor Otti has maintained a cordial working relationship with the Judiciary. When the national minimum wage was reviewed, the Abia State Government invited the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) leadership to join the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in reviewing the new minimum wage for all Abia workers.
Unfortunately, Judiciary workers chose to conduct their review separately, leading to discrepancies in their calculations. Despite this setback, Governor Otti proactively addressed the dispute by working closely with relevant government officials to calculate adjusted salaries for Judiciary workers based on the new minimum wage.
On December 24, 2024, the government remitted ₦283,242,318.50 to the Judiciary. Another ₦27,000,000.00 was subsequently approved as 13th month largesse to make it about ₦300,000,000.00. However, as of Governor Otti’s recent clarification, Judiciary workers had yet to receive their salaries, prompting the Governor to clarify that his administration does not owe Judiciary workers. He emphasized that the government’s role is to remit funds to the Judiciary, while the Judiciary is responsible for paying its workers.
This clarification underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in managing public funds. It is essential for the Abia Judiciary workers’ leadership to consider their members’ plight and pay them their salaries already provided by the Government. The delay in payment has undoubtedly caused hardship and uncertainty among Judiciary workers, making it crucial to address this issue promptly.
By paying the salaries, the Judiciary leadership can demonstrate its commitment to its workers’ welfare and help restore their morale and motivation. Furthermore, we urge the Abia Judiciary leadership to embrace teamwork, patriotism, and collaboration with Governor Otti and the Executive arm of the government. By working together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Abia for all.
The Judiciary plays a vital role in promoting justice, upholding the rule of law, and protecting citizens’ rights. Therefore, it is essential for the Judiciary to work in harmony with the Executive arm of government to achieve common goals and promote Abia State’s overall development. Governor Otti’s commitment to Judiciary workers’ welfare is evident in his administration’s actions and policies.
His focus on teamwork, patriotism, and worker welfare has helped create a positive work environment and promote collaboration among the Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive arm of government. We hope the Abia Judiciary workers’ leadership will reciprocate this gesture by paying their workers’ salaries without delay and working together with Governor Otti’s administration to build a stronger, more prosperous Abia for all.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.
