Renowned INTERPOL consultant and political analyst, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has weighed in on the ongoing JUSUN (Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria) strike and the challenges plaguing the judiciary in Abia State.
Speaking on a radio programme, Open Parliament on Love FM Umuahia and ABN TV on Wednesday, Sir Udensi decried the government’s failure to adequately fund the judiciary, describing the situation as dire and unacceptable.
“The judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, is not functioning in Abia State,” Udensi stated. He criticized the state government for releasing only ₦300 million instead of the required ₦900 million to fund the judiciary, calling the allocation grossly inadequate.
He expressed concern over the prolonged shutdown of courts due to the strike and urged judicial workers to resume their duties while advocating for better funding. “We cannot allow our courts to be shut down indefinitely,” he said, emphasizing the critical role of the judiciary in upholding justice and democracy.
Udensi also accused the Labour Party-led government in Abia State of being “very labour-unfriendly,” highlighting its failure to address the concerns of judicial workers and resolve the strike. “It is disappointing to see a government led by someone who once fought against bad governance now failing to prioritize the judiciary,” he remarked.
He further criticized the administration’s handling of governance, pointing out the irony of a Labour Party-led state being engulfed in such labour-related disputes. “The only Labour Party-led state is where we are seeing this level of disagreement,” Udensi noted.
As the JUSUN strike continues to cripple judicial activities in Abia State, Udensi called for a shift in leadership approach and governance, urging the government to prioritize continuity in projects and address pressing issues affecting the judiciary and the state at large.