The Abia State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria has rejected the state government’s claim that it has largely met the requirements for judicial financial autonomy, describing the statement as incorrect and unacceptable.
The union said its demand for financial independence of the judiciary is based on the law and should not be treated as a minor issue.
JUSUN was responding to a recent joint press briefing by two Abia State officials, Onyebuchi Ememanka and Ferdinand Ekeoma, who claimed that most of the concerns raised by judiciary workers had been resolved through ongoing talks.
However, in a statement signed by the state chairman, Chinedu Ezeh, and the secretary, Chibueze Nwachukwu, the union said it is too early and misleading for the government to make such claims while discussions are still in progress.
The union leaders pointed out that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 clearly supports financial autonomy for the judiciary. They referred specifically to Sections 121(3) and 162(9), which state that funds meant for the judiciary should be released directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without delay or interference.
According to JUSUN, the current system in Abia State—where funds are released based on the decision of the accountant-general—does not meet constitutional standards.
They also revealed that, as of now, the government has not paid funds meant for judiciary salaries and running costs for March and April 2026, even though these expenses were already approved in the state budget. This includes money for official duties like training programmes, seminars, and other activities for judges, magistrates, and court staff.
The union said this situation clearly goes against the government’s claim that it has met most of their demands.
On the issue of staff verification and pensions, JUSUN insisted that only the Judicial Service Commission has the legal authority to handle the verification of judiciary workers, not outside consultants.
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