Temple of Justice Foundation Decries Deplorable Condition of Enugu Judiciary, Says It Is An Agony

          BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU

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A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called Temple of Justice Foundation, has decried the deplorable state of the Enugu State Judiciary, describing the poor condition of service and infrastructure as an agony.

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 Parts of the statement read:

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“When one takes a bird’s-eye view of the judiciary in Enugu State, especially regarding the welfare of judges, magistrates, and even Customary Court arbiters, one cannot help but weep. It is an affront to good conscience that the welfare of judicial officers in the state has been caught in a web of neglect and hardship.

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“Upon critical investigation, the Foundation uncovered the hidden but excruciating challenges faced daily by judicial officers in Enugu State. As an Igbo proverb says, *“The hair on a goat’s skin hides the heat on its body.”* The Executive Director of the Foundation, Ozo Alex Amujiogu Esq., outlined some of these agonies as follows:

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“1) Lack of Accommodation:

For judicial officers to function effectively, decent housing is essential. Sadly, many judicial officers in Enugu State cannot boast of comfortable accommodation. A majority live in rented apartments across the state. Disturbingly, some judges and magistrates face “Notice to Quit” threats from landlords. Others are compelled to attend compound meetings and perform communal chores like ordinary tenants. If judicial officers struggle to pay rent, how can they ever own homes? This creates fertile ground for corruption. The Foundation calls on the state government to allocate land for the construction of Judges’ and Magistrates’ quarters, as was done during the colonial era.

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“2) Lack of Transportation:

Another pressing challenge is the lack of functional vehicles for judicial officers. Many Magistrates no longer own cars, while those who do struggle with constant breakdowns due to the old age of their vehicles. Some are forced to visit mechanics weekly. Shockingly, magistrates have been spotted boarding commercial buses or tricycles to attend court. This indignity undermines the dignity of the judiciary and calls for urgent government intervention.

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“3) Poor Salary Structure:

Although judicial independence has been loudly proclaimed—even by the Supreme Court—the reality in Enugu State tells a different story. Judicial officers continue to earn meagre salaries despite the clamour for wage increases. At the just-concluded Annual General Bar Conference in Enugu, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah proudly declared that the state judiciary already enjoys independence. Yet, Magistrates’ and High Courts still lack the financial autonomy to implement their budgets. Many cannot afford basic supplies such as record books, files, pens, laptops, ink, or even electricity for their courtrooms. Some cannot fuel generators or maintain vehicles, let alone construct additional facilities. Judicial independence in the state remains more theoretical than practical. Greater commitment is needed from both the Executive and Legislature, while the Enugu State Judicial Service Commission under the Chief Judge must be fully empowered.

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“4) Provision of Coaster Buses:

To alleviate transportation challenges for court staff, the Foundation proposes that the state government provide at least four coaster buses for the judiciary. This will ease commuting costs for magistrates and other court staff, thereby improving efficiency and service delivery.

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“In summary, judicial officers in Enugu State must be given a conducive working environment free from intimidation and economic hardship. The popular saying that the judiciary is “the last hope of the common man” cannot hold true if these agonies remain unaddressed. Ultimately, the burden of a weakened judiciary falls on innocent litigants who suffer from compromised judgments and corruption.

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“The Foundation, therefore, calls on the Attorney General of Enugu State, who’s the judiciary’s representative in the Executive Council, to urgently engage the government and wipe away the tears of judicial officers. Encouragingly, both the Governor and his Deputy are seasoned legal practitioners who should understand the weight of this call.

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“Enugu State, already known for innovation and strong institutions, must extend this legacy to the judiciary. The welfare of judicial officers should be treated as a matter of paramount importance.

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“The foundation, while appreciating the state government’s ongoing infrastructural efforts in the judiciary, urges that these initiatives be sustained and expanded to address welfare issues as well.

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“The time to act is now.