From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the ongoing indefinite strike by members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State chapter, as a sign of what it called the worsening state of governance under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the opposition party argued that the withdrawal of services by government lawyers highlights the administration’s alleged failure to prioritise the welfare of key public institutions.
According to the PDP, the striking lawyers play critical roles in representing the state in court, prosecuting criminal cases, recovering public funds, drafting legislation, vetting government 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 government’s refusal to address their legitimate welfare concerns,” the statement said.
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The party also linked the latest industrial action to what it described as a growing pattern of labour disputes in the state, recalling that magistrates had previously embarked on strike over remuneration and unpaid allowances.
The PDP further questioned how increased federal allocations to the state were being utilised, alleging that workers continued to face poor welfare despite improved government revenues.
“The question every Kwaran should be asking is simple: Where is the huge monthly allocation going?” the party queried.
The opposition party further alleged that insecurity in parts of Kwara North and South had persisted due to inadequate support for security agencies, while civil servants continued to struggle with rising living costs.
It maintained that repeated strikes by critical government workers reflected dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of governance and workers’ welfare.
“A government’s performance is measured not by propaganda or carefully choreographed public relations campaigns, but by the condition of its people and the strength of its institutions. By that standard, the AbdulRazaq administration has failed,” the statement added.
The PDP called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently open negotiations with the striking law officers, meet their welfare demands and implement measures to improve the welfare of workers across the state.
It also urged the state government to strengthen public institutions, improve support for security agencies and ensure prudent management of public funds, insisting that Kwarans deserve leadership that prioritises the wellbeing of the people.
