Kogi judicial workers begin indefinite strike

The Kogi State judiciary has plunged into its worst crisis in years, as fresh accounts reveal the humiliating conditions under which magistrates now operate — even as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) commences an indefinite strike.

Magistrates, the engine room of the state’s justice system, are working under conditions described by insiders as degrading and unsafe.

Many now appear in court wearing worn-out shoes, faded second-hand suits, and patched shirts — a stark symbol of the deterioration of judicial dignity in the state. Some struggle to afford even daily meals.

With no official vehicles ever provided, magistrates rely on commercial motorcycles and tricycles to get to court, often riding alongside defendants and criminal suspects whose cases they will adjudicate.

Housing conditions are equally dire, with many living in rented apartments under constant pressure from landlords.

The financial strain extends to their families, including inability to enroll children in quality schools.

In some homes, frustration over poor earnings has triggered domestic tensions.

Judicial officers say the neglect is glaring when compared to the steady supply of new vehicles and allowances to commissioners, political appointees, and loyalists.

“How can society respect magistrates who are treated as afterthoughts?” a senior judicial officer asked.

Critics attribute the decay to years of neglect under former Governor Yahaya Bello and warn that the administration of Governor Usman Ododo has shown no clear commitment to reversing the decline, despite sizeable budgetary allocations to the judiciary.

Civil society groups warn that the rot will soon cripple access to justice entirely.

The crisis deepened on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as JUSUN declared an indefinite strike, accusing the state government of reneging on its promise to pay October 2024 salary arrears and the 2025 leave bonus.

In a statement signed by Chairman Emmanuel N. Waniko and Secretary Sule Suberu, the union said the government failed to honour its commitment after JUSUN suspended its last strike on the strength of assurances allegedly conveyed through the Heads of Courts.

The union directed all judiciary staff to withdraw from duties until the arrears and leave bonus are fully paid.