The National Industrial Court has fixed March 1 for a settlement report in a suit filed by the former chief judge of Abia, Kalu Amah, challenging non-payment of entitlements.

At the last adjourned date, the court fixed Tuesday to take a settlement report after parties had indicated an interest in settling the matter out of court.

However, when the matter came up before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, the claimant’s counsel Matthew Agbaga informed the court that an out-of-court settlement was still ongoing.

The counsel added, “In no distant time, the matter will be resolved, and parties will be able to file their report of settlement.”

Before adjourning the matter, the judge stated her displeasure at the suit’s pace and that she was the third judge to preside over the case.

Ms Obaseki-Osaghae also said for an ex-chief judge that retired in 2011 to resort to demanding his benefits through the court and counsel treating the matter with levity was not encouraging.

She adjourned the matter until March 1 for a report of settlement.

The judge further directed that hearing notice should be served on the defendants and their counsel, who were absent during the proceeding.

The claimant, Abia’s chief judge from 1998 to 2006, instituted the suit against the defendants over alleged non-payment of his gratuity and pension benefits after his retirement in 2011 when he attained the mandatory retirement age.

Joined in the suit as co-defendants are the Abia government and the attorney general of Abia as the first and second defendants, respectively.

(NAN)