Kwara PDP chastises government over law officers’ strike

By Ola Taiwo

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chastised the state government over indefinite strike embarked upon by law officers in the state.

The law officers in the state ministry of justice had embarked on the indefinite strike after a warning of a 7-day ultimatum over alleged failure of the government to meet their long-standing demands about their welfare 

The PDP in a statement signed by its public secretary, Olusegun Adewara described the strike as a sign of deepening governance and workers’ welfare challenges in the state.

The party said that the industrial action reflects the government’s failure to prioritise key public institutions and the welfare of its workforce.

It noted that the law officers play critical roles in the administration of justice, including prosecuting criminal cases, recovering government revenues, drafting legislation, vetting contracts and providing legal advice to ministries, departments and agencies.

 “It is unfortunate that the very lawyers who represent the state in court, prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the government, recover public revenues, draft laws, vet contracts, and provide legal advice to ministries, departments and agencies have now been forced to withdraw their services because of the government’s refusal to address their legitimate welfare concerns,” the party said.

The PDP while noting that magistrates in the state had previously embarked upon an industrial action over remuneration and unpaid allowances said the two industrial actions seemed to be evidence of growing dissatisfaction within the public service.

The party said despite the improved federal allocation to the state, workers in the state allegedly continue to complain about poor welfare and unpaid allowances.

It said this raises question about how the government is managing the allocation. 

“The question every Kwaran should be asking is simple: Where is the huge monthly allocation going?” the statement reads.

The party said that many civil servants are struggling with the rising cost of living, arguing that salaries no longer reflect prevailing economic realities.

The PDP while expressing concern over the security situation in parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, said that inadequate support for security agencies and poor welfare for government workers have compounded governance challenges.

It called on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to immediately engage the striking law officers through dialogue, address their welfare concerns and take broader measures to improve the condition of workers across the state.

The party said that Kwara possesses the resources and human capital needed for development but requires leadership that prioritises workers’ welfare, strengthens public institutions, supports security agencies and ensures prudent management of public funds.