Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Enugu State branch, has embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and other arrears by the state government.
JUSUN has, across several states, consistently protested the non-implementation of financial autonomy for state judiciaries as provided under Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution. The section mandates that the salaries, allowances, and pensions of judicial officers and staff be paid directly from the state judiciary’s consolidated funds, not through state executive channels.
In a circular dated September 12, 2025, and signed by the state chairman, Comrade Sampson Ifedimma, and secretary, Comrade Onyia Jonas, the union directed all judiciary workers in Enugu State to withdraw their services effective 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12.
“We are not on strike for luxury or frivolities. Rather, we are on strike because, while the Executive Governor of Enugu State has courageously implemented the financial autonomy of the judiciary in the state, workers’ welfare has been neglected and their sacrifices totally ignored. Silence in the face of injustice is betrayal,” the union stated.
According to JUSUN, the strike is aimed at compelling the Chief Judge of Enugu State and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal to: Commence immediate payment of CONJUSS to all judiciary staff in Enugu State, pending since 2018; Pay four months’ salary arrears owed to staff employed in the High Court on October 1, 2022; and Pay seven months’ arrears owed to staff employed in the Customary Court of Appeal on the same date.
The union expressed disappointment that Governor Peter Mbah’s recent announcement of full implementation of judicial financial autonomy has not translated into improved welfare for judiciary staff.
“The entire judiciary staff of Enugu State received with shock and deep disappointment the revelation made by the Executive Governor during the just-concluded NBA Conference. While this historic announcement ought to bring relief and joy, it is regrettable that the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal have deliberately refused to operationalise this autonomy for the benefit of judiciary staff,” the statement read.
JUSUN lamented that the long-standing demand for CONJUSS, pending since 2018, remains unresolved. The union also decried the refusal to pay the four months’ arrears owed to High Court staff and the seven months’ arrears owed to Customary Court of Appeal staff employed in 2022.
“These injustices are a direct affront to the welfare and dignity of judiciary workers in Enugu State. They amount to an assault on the sacrifices, labour, and humanity of judiciary workers,” the union said.
Despite its frustration, JUSUN reaffirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue.
“The union remains open to strategic and constructive dialogue with relevant authorities, provided such engagement leads to a rapid and genuine resolution of the issues at stake. However, this industrial action shall continue until our demands are fully met.”
The statement called on members to remain “resolute, united, and disciplined” in the struggle for justice, fairness, and dignity.
