The Abia State Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Chinedu Ezeh, has called on the Abia State Government to respect the financial autonomy and independence of the judiciary to restore normalcy in the state’s justice system.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Ezeh alleged that the state government is making moves to bring the judiciary under the control of the executive arm, stressing that the ongoing indefinite strike by judiciary workers is aimed at safeguarding judicial independence.

The Abia chapter of JUSUN embarked on the strike to press home demands including the full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary, payment of salaries based on the Consolidated Judiciary Staff Salary Structure (CONJUSS), and settlement of outstanding leave allowances.

The union also accused the Abia State Accountant General, Njum Onyemenam, of allegedly withholding funds approved by the state governor for judiciary operations. According to the union, the industrial action followed the government’s request for details of the consolidated salary structure, which it described as unnecessary.

Ezeh further alleged that the state government had failed to implement the terms of an agreement reached with JUSUN on June 14, 2023, urging the executive arm to uphold constitutional provisions guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.

He noted that the strike action was approved by the national leadership of JUSUN and duly communicated to the state government before its commencement.

While affirming that judiciary workers are not opposed to verification exercises, Ezeh insisted such processes must be conducted internally by the judiciary as an independent arm of government, rather than by consultants engaged by the state government.

He also alleged that judiciary workers in the state have not been paid their March 2026 salaries, accusing the government of attempting to pressure workers into calling off the strike.

Ezeh reiterated that the union’s demands are rooted in the constitutional principle of separation of powers, urging the government to allow the judiciary to manage its funds independently in line with the law.