Sowore: Yahaya Bello’s Stolen Loot Can Pay All Judicial Pensions
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has condemned the rampant corruption in Nigeria, highlighting that the public funds allegedly embezzled by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are more than enough to cover the pensions of all judicial staff across the country.
Sowore made these remarks on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he expressed solidarity with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which commenced an indefinite strike the same day.
“As I’ve said before, one criminal is richer than all the workers here combined,” Sowore declared. “The amount Yahaya Bello allegedly stole in Kogi State could pay every judicial worker’s pension in Nigeria.”
He added, “Next time they bring this man to court, half of the recovered money should be handed directly to the court workers who are tirelessly handling cases, while the other half should be kept from those looking to steal again.”
Sowore expressed deep frustration over the deteriorating state of the judiciary and the impunity enjoyed by politically exposed persons who continue to siphon public funds with little consequence.
“We stand in full support of the judiciary workers. Even though we have an ongoing case, it seems like no real action is being taken,” he said.
The strike, which started at the Federal High Court of Abuja, has effectively paralyzed court proceedings. Several lawyers and litigants were unable to attend to their cases, as confirmed by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju on social media.
“The Federal High Court gates were locked this morning. We couldn’t access our matters due to the judiciary workers’ industrial action,” Adeyanju posted on Facebook.
The strike followed failed negotiations and mounting frustration over unpaid allowances and poor welfare conditions for court workers. Notably, the Federal High Court chapter of JUSUN proceeded with the strike despite the Supreme Court chapter pulling out.
According to an exclusive source within JUSUN, a four-hour meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) ended without any resolution, with plans for another meeting involving the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and other key stakeholders underway.
