The Abia State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has strongly rejected the state government’s claim of having largely met the conditions for judicial financial independence, calling it baseless. The union emphasized that its call for fiscal autonomy is a constitutional issue that must not be taken lightly.
This response came after two Abia State officials, Onyebuchi Ememanka and Ferdinand Ekeoma, stated at a press conference that ongoing talks had resolved most grievances of judiciary workers. JUSUN leaders Chinedu Ezeh (Chairman) and Chibueze Nwachukwu (Secretary) argued that it is premature and deceptive for the government to declare substantial progress while negotiations remain incomplete.
The union pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), specifically Sections 121(3) and 162(9), mandates direct funding of the judiciary from the Consolidated Revenue Fund as a first-line charge. They noted that this is supported by court rulings, executive orders, and official instruments. However, the current practice—where funds are disbursed to the judiciary at the accountant-general’s discretion—falls short of constitutional requirements.
JUSUN disclosed that as of their statement, the Abia State Government has not released allocated funds for judiciary salaries and overheads for March and April 2026, despite budget appropriations. This includes funds for official activities such as seminars and training for judges, magistrates, and staff. Such a situation, they argued, directly contradicts any assertion of “substantial compliance.”
On the issues of verification and pensions, the union insisted that verifying judiciary staff falls exclusively under the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and should not involve external consultants.