Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Ten years after a landmark court ruling affirming financial autonomy for the judiciary, Nigerian states remain largely noncompliant. According to Marwan Adamu, National President of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), no state has fully implemented the judgement, with only a handful achieving partial compliance.
The Supreme Court judgement reinforced constitutional provisions mandating independent funding for the judiciary, a crucial step to safeguard its independence from the executive branch. Despite this legal backing and repeated calls from JUSUN, state governors continue to fall short in adhering to the court’s directive.
Reflecting on the union’s persistent advocacy, Adamu expressed frustration during an interview with Sunday PUNCH. “We are still where we were 10 years ago,” he lamented. “Since 2014, the court has delivered its judgment.” We’ve gone on strike multiple times and even signed a memorandum of understanding with the governors. Yet, no state has achieved full compliance.”
He underscored the broader implications of this impasse for Nigeria’s democracy. “The lack of financial autonomy for the judiciary is a serious threat to democracy. Without independence—financially and institutionally—the judiciary cannot function effectively or uphold the rule of law,” Adamu stressed.
Beyond autonomy, JUSUN’s demands for the implementation of peculiar allowances for judiciary staff remain unmet, compounding the challenges faced by the union.
The union’s consistent efforts have included strikes, negotiations, and legal interventions, but tangible progress remains elusive. Adamu warned that this persistent non-compliance undermines the judiciary’s role as an impartial arbiter and a pillar of democracy.
The judiciary’s financial independence is not just a constitutional obligation but also a necessity for justice delivery and democratic stability. Adamu’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the unresolved issues threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system. As JUSUN continues its push for change, the question remains: How long will it take for Nigerian states to honor their legal and constitutional commitments? Without decisive action, the judiciary’s autonomy risks becoming a distant ideal rather than a democratic reality.
