The Enugu State Judiciary has been brought to a standstill following the commencement of an indefinite industrial action by court workers.
The strike became evident early Wednesday when the Hon. Justice J.C.N. Ngwu Judiciary Headquarters Complex in Enugu was found deserted, with its main entrances secured with padlocks.
A notice placed at the entrance warned members of the public, lawyers and litigants to stay away, stating: “WORKERS ON STRIKE – KEEP OFF.”
The shutdown prevented lawyers, litigants and other visitors from gaining access to the complex, while normal judicial and administrative activities were suspended.
The industrial action also affected the Enugu State Multi-Door Courthouse, an alternative dispute resolution centre where mediation and arbitration proceedings are conducted. The facility was also locked, preventing access to its offices and hearing rooms.
The development has disrupted scheduled court proceedings, including hearings and rulings, while legal practitioners with pending matters were left unable to attend to their cases.
A lawyer at the scene, identified as Ifebuche, said the shutdown had effectively halted the administration of justice in the state.
According to him, the situation could have consequences for various categories of cases, including matters involving pre-trial detainees, commercial disputes and applications for urgent injunctions.
Other lawyers expressed concern that the prolonged closure could further increase the backlog of cases in the state’s courts.
One legal practitioner said matters that had been scheduled well in advance were now uncertain because of the industrial action.
The workers reportedly embarked on the strike after negotiations with the state authorities failed to resolve their outstanding demands.
Union representatives indicated that the action would continue indefinitely until the issues raised by the workers were addressed.
As of Wednesday, the judiciary complex and other affected facilities remained closed, leaving court activities across the affected locations suspended pending a resolution between the workers and the state authorities.
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