The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Enugu State has suspended its seven-day strike after securing what it described as a key milestone in the pursuit of judicial autonomy. The decision was announced in a communique released on Thursday by the union’s chairman, Sampson Ifedimma, and secretary, Jonas Onyia.

The union had initiated an indefinite strike on September 12 over the non-payment of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure and other arrears, following the state’s move to grant judicial autonomy. In the communique, JUSUN stated that the suspension of the strike followed the formal establishment of the State Account Allocation Committee (SAAC) by the state government.

The communique described the creation of the SAAC as “a historic milestone” and “incontrovertible proof that Governor Peter Mbah genuinely intended to actualise judicial autonomy in the state.” The union said the action was a principled effort to advance the independence of the judiciary rather than for personal or political gains.

“Therefore, the goal of the strike has now been successfully achieved. We made it clear that our action was never for personal gain, political manipulation, or frivolities. It was a principled struggle for the independence of the Judiciary in Enugu State, in line with the Governor’s public commitment to judicial autonomy,” it said.

According to JUSUN, the SAAC will serve as the central mechanism for the financial autonomy of the judiciary, ensuring “transparency, accountability, and the direct allocation of funds to the judiciary, thereby giving practical expression to the constitutional principle of separation of powers.”

The communique also commended Governor Mbah and his administration for what it described as respectful and constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process.

“I must commend Mbah and his team for the exceptional civility, diplomacy, and maturity with which they approached us as labour throughout this process. Contrary to our initial fears, at no point were we harassed or intimidated.
From the Secretary to the State Government, to the Honourable Attorney-General, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, the Head of Service, the Accountant-General, and every member of the Government’s delegation, these men demonstrated a high level of civility, and their engagements were respectful, constructive, and solution-driven,” the communique said.

The union added that the outcome of the industrial action had reshaped its perception of the administration and reinforced confidence in the government’s commitment to democratic consolidation and the rule of law.

“Our industrial action, therefore, was never an attempt to paralyse the state, but a noble quest for institutional freedom and democratic deepening. To the glory of God, it has ended in praise,” the statement added.