The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State Branch, has issued a detailed rebuttal to recent claims by the Abia State Government concerning the ongoing industrial action by judiciary workers. In a strongly worded statement signed by its State Chairman, Prince Chinedu Ezeh, the union dismissed the government’s position as misleading, particularly the assertion that concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) were based on outdated information. JUSUN maintained that the issues at the heart of the strike—especially judicial financial autonomy and compliance with constitutional provisions—remain unresolved and cannot be trivialized by ongoing negotiations.
The union further emphasized that while engagements with the government are in progress, they do not amount to concrete resolution, insisting that agreements must be formally concluded and fully implemented. JUSUN also rejected claims regarding leave allowance and disputed the government’s assertion of substantial compliance with judicial financial autonomy, describing such claims as untenable. The statement underscored the union’s commitment to lawful and peaceful engagement but made it clear that the strike would persist until the government demonstrates genuine commitment through decisive action and adherence to constitutional obligations.
Read full statement below;
JUDICIARY STAFF UNION OF NIGERIA (JUSUN), ABIA STATE BRANCH
RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENT BY THE ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT ON THE ONGOING JUSUN STRIKE
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State Branch, has carefully reviewed the statement issued by the Abia State Government through the Director-General of Strategic Communication, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, regarding the communiqué of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Body of Chairmen, Abia State, and the ongoing industrial action by our Union.
While we acknowledge that engagements between the Government and JUSUN have been ongoing, it is imperative to correct certain misleading impressions and to restate, unequivocally, the fundamental issues underpinning this industrial action.
1. ON THE CLAIM THAT THE NBA COMMUNIQUÉ IS “OUTDATED”
The assertion that the communiqué issued by the NBA is based on “outdated information” is both inaccurate and misleading.
The concerns raised by the NBA are not dependent on the timing of meetings but are anchored on constitutional obligations that remain unfulfilled. Issues such as judicial financial autonomy, compliance with extant agreements, and adherence to constitutional provisions are enduring in nature and cannot be rendered obsolete by ongoing discussions or the mere passage of time.
2. ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS DO NOT AMOUNT TO RESOLUTION
JUSUN acknowledges that discussions have taken place and are still ongoing. However, it must be clearly emphasized that negotiations do not equate to resolution.
Until agreements are formally concluded, properly documented, and fully implemented, it is premature and misleading to suggest that the issues leading to the strike have been substantially resolved.
3. ON LEAVE ALLOWANCE
The claim that JUSUN has agreed that Leave Allowance is “embedded” in its salary structure is false and misleading.
For the avoidance of doubt, neither Mr. Ememanka nor Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma has been part of the negotiation processes, and therefore cannot credibly speak to the content or outcome of those engagements.
JUSUN maintains that Leave Allowance remains a statutory entitlement under the Public Service Rules and cannot be extinguished without clear legal backing.
Furthermore, the Government’s reported willingness to pay 5% arrears of Leave Allowance is, in itself, an implicit acknowledgment of an existing obligation – contrary to claims that Judiciary workers are not owed.
4. ON JUDICIAL FINANCIAL AUTONOMY
The position of the Abia State Government that it is in “substantial compliance” with judicial financial autonomy is respectfully untenable.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Sections 121(3) and 162(9), clearly provides for the direct funding of the Judiciary from the Consolidated Revenue Fund as a first-line charge. This position has been reinforced by subsisting court judgments, Executive Order, and relevant executive instruments.
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.
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, which was appropriated for in the budget, including funds for official engagements such as seminars and trainings for Judges, Magistrates and staff. This reality directly contradicts any claim of “substantial compliance.”
The suggestion that full implementation of judicial financial autonomy requires a constitutional amendment is incorrect and laughable, and shouldn’t be coming from anyone who calls himself a Barrister.
The constitutional provisions are already clear, enforceable, and sufficient. The problem is not a lack of legal framework, but a clear absence of political will to enforce full compliance.
JUSUN therefore reiterates its firm position on the complete and faithful implementation of constitutional provisions on judicial autonomy and independence.
5. ON VERIFICATION AND PENSION MATTERS
JUSUN maintains its position that the verification of Judiciary staff falls strictly within the constitutional mandate of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and not any external consultants.
The insistence on subjecting Judiciary staff to verification exercises outside this framework – under whatever guise – raises legitimate concerns, which the Union cannot ignore.
6. OUR POSITION
JUSUN remains committed to constructive engagement and a peaceful resolution of all issues.
However, we must firmly emphasize that this industrial action is not predicated on trivial concerns. The demands of the Union are lawful, constitutional, and long-standing.
The Judiciary, as a critical arm of government, must be accorded the independence guaranteed by the Constitution.
Accordingly, JUSUN, Abia State Branch, urges the Abia State Government to move beyond assurances and demonstrate genuine commitment through concrete actions and the full implementation of agreed obligations.
Until such steps are taken, the Union will continue to act in the best interest of its members and in steadfast defense of the integrity and independence of the Judiciary.
Comr. Prince Chinedu Ezeh
(State Chairman)
Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)
Abia State Branch
Comr. Pst. Chibueze Nwachukwu
(State Secretary)
Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)
Abia State Branch
[01/05/2026]
