The Abia government and retired Justice Kalu Amah were looking into an out-of-court settlement, it was revealed before the National Industrial Court on Monday.

When the matter slated for report of settlement was called, the claimant’s counsel, Matthew Mgbada, submitted that parties were in discussion.

“The matter today is for report of settlement. However, the claimant informed me that he was in serious talk and discussion with the new AG of Abia state,” said Mr Mgbada.

The claimant, Amah, had sued the government over alleged non-payment of his retirement entitlements.

“In the circumstance, we shall be asking for adjournment,” the counsel added.

Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae adjourned the matter until October 30 for a report of settlement.

The judge also directed that hearing notices be served on the first and second defendants’ counsel.

The parties had informed the court before the last adjourned date that they were interested in settling the matter out of court.

Mr Amah was Abia’s chief judge from 1998 to 2006, and the alleged cause of action accrued from non-payment of his gratuity and pension benefits after his retirement in 2011 when he attained the mandatory retirement age.

Defendants in the suit are the Abia government and its attorney-general as the first and second defendants.

They, however, did not have legal representation for Monday’s proceeding. (NAN)

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