From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Law officers in the Kwara State Ministry of Justice have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government, warning that they will embark on an indefinite strike if their long-standing welfare demands remain unresolved.
The notice, addressed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was jointly signed by the Acting Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State Ministry of Justice Branch, Barrister Kehinde Ayorinde, and the Secretary, Barrister Tolulope Oniyide.
The association accused the state government of neglecting repeated appeals despite the critical responsibilities performed by its members in the justice sector.
According to the lawyers, state counsel routinely expose themselves to danger by prosecuting criminal cases while also contributing significantly to government revenue through contract vetting, prosecution of tax defaulters, drafting of bills and legal documents, as well as handling cases involving gender-based violence.
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The association also noted that its members provide legal advice to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), offer legal assistance to indigent citizens and mediate in civil disputes across the state.
The lawyers recalled that they suspended a three-day warning strike in October 2025 after interventions by the Office of the Head of Service and labour unions, following assurances that their demands would be addressed.
However, they said those promises have not been fulfilled.
“Members face risk of confronting criminals in court every day, generating fund through vetting of contract agreements, drafting of bills, prosecution of tax defaulters to recover tax liabilities and tackling gender-based violence against persons,” the association stated.
It added: “It is against this backdrop that we are constrained to give this seven-day notice of indefinite strike to press home our demands with a view to securing the attention of the state government.”
The ultimatum, which commenced on July 20, will expire on July 26, 2026.
Among the demands of the association are the payment of the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 2020 furniture allowance, settlement of the 2024 furniture allowance, payment of robe allowances for 2024, 2025 and 2026, and implementation of the harmonisation of salaries and allowances.
The lawyers also urged the government to align the conditions of service for state counsel with those of magistrates in the Kwara State Judiciary, in line with the 1999 and 2005 harmonisation approvals.
The association warned that failure by the government to act before the expiration of the ultimatum would leave it with no option but to commence an indefinite industrial action.
“If nothing is done before the expiration of this seven-day ultimatum, the Association would have no other option than to proceed on an indefinite industrial strike action,” the lawyers said.
