The Abia State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has pushed back strongly against claims by the state government that it has largely met the demands for judicial financial autonomy, describing such statements as misleading and unacceptable.
The union, which is currently on strike, said its demands are based on constitutional provisions and should not be treated lightly or reduced to mere negotiation points.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Chinedu Ezeh, and Secretary, Chibueze Nwachukwu, the union said it was reacting to a recent joint press conference by government officials, Onyebuchi Ememanka and Ferdinand Ekeoma. At that briefing, the officials had claimed that ongoing discussions between the government and JUSUN had resolved most of the issues raised by judiciary workers.
However, the union disagreed, stating that negotiations were still ongoing and that it was too early for the government to declare progress or victory.
“It is premature and misleading for the Abia State Government to say that issues that led to the strike have been substantially resolved when negotiations are still ongoing,” the union said.
At the centre of the dispute is the issue of financial autonomy for the judiciary, which JUSUN insists is clearly provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The union pointed specifically to Sections 121(3) and 162(9), which provide that funds for the judiciary should be released directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund as a first-line charge.
This means that money meant for the judiciary should not be controlled or delayed by the executive arm of government, but should instead be released automatically to ensure the independence of the courts.
JUSUN said that the current practice in Abia State does not meet this requirement, as funds are still being released at the discretion of the state’s accountant-general.
“The current practice, whereby funds are released to the judiciary at the discretion of the accountant-general, does not satisfy the requirements of the Constitution for financial autonomy,” the union stated.
The union also raised concern over unpaid salaries and operational funds, revealing that the state government has not released money meant for judiciary workers for the months of March and April 2026.
According to the statement, these funds had already been approved in the state budget, yet they have not been disbursed.
“As at the time of this statement, the state government has failed to release funds for the salaries and overheads of the judiciary for the months of March and April 2026,” the union said.
The unpaid funds also cover official activities such as seminars, training programmes, and other professional engagements for judges, magistrates, and court staff.
JUSUN argued that this situation directly contradicts the government’s claim that it has complied with the principle of financial autonomy.
The strike by judiciary workers in Abia State has affected court activities, leading to delays in legal proceedings and limiting access to justice for residents. Many courts have remained closed, while lawyers and litigants have been forced to wait for a resolution of the dispute.
Judicial financial autonomy has been a major issue across several states in Nigeria. Over the years, JUSUN has organised nationwide strikes to demand full implementation of constitutional provisions that guarantee the financial independence of the judiciary.
In 2021, for example, JUSUN embarked on a nationwide strike that lasted for weeks, shutting down courts across the country. The strike was aimed at compelling state governments to comply with executive orders and court judgments that support judicial autonomy.
Although some states have made progress since then, many challenges remain, especially in the area of full implementation.
In Abia State, the current disagreement suggests that the issue is far from resolved.
JUSUN also addressed the matter of staff verification and pension management, insisting that these responsibilities fall strictly under the authority of the Judicial Service Commission.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is the body responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial staff, as well as other administrative matters concerning the judiciary.
The union rejected any attempt to involve external consultants in the verification of judiciary staff, arguing that such actions are not in line with constitutional provisions.
On pensions, the union maintained that any process affecting retired judiciary workers must also follow established legal frameworks and should not be handled in a way that undermines the independence of the judiciary.
The Abia State Government has yet to respond further to the union’s latest statement, but officials had earlier expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations would soon bring an end to the strike.
For many residents of the state, however, the immediate concern is the impact of the strike on access to justice. Cases ranging from civil disputes to criminal trials have been stalled, raising concerns about delays and possible violations of rights.
The situation in Abia reflects a broader national conversation about the need to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that all arms of government operate independently, as provided for in the Constitution.
As negotiations continue, JUSUN has made it clear that it will not call off the strike until its demands are fully met.
The union urged the state government to take its concerns seriously and to implement financial autonomy in line with constitutional requirements.
For now, the standoff remains unresolved, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached and whether normal court activities can resume in Abia State.