By Godwin Otang
The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) Cross River State chapter has commenced a warning strike over the non inclusion of law officers in the enhanced salary package of Magistrates in the State.
The warning strike was contained in a press release signed by the Association’s Chairman, E.I. Araghe, Esq, and the Chairman Action Committee, C. A. Adama, Esq and made available to CrossRiverWatch.
The three (3) days warning strike commences today, Wednesday 27th March 2024 to Tuesday 2nd April, 2024.
The Association expressed “profound concern over the non-implementation of existing approval for parity between Law Officers and Magistrates in the recent 50% salary increment for Magistrates since June 2022 without a corresponding increase for Law Officers.”
The release reads in parts, “It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to these measures, to get government to implement same in line with the Harmonization Policy document, but the persistent neglect of Law Officers welfare and indescribable hardship being experienced in the course of representing Government across the courts in the State, much worse, it defies logic to try to subject members of LOAN to discriminatory treatment. By doing so, the government is clearly courting avoidable industrial disputes.
“In view of the foregoing, we are constrained by this bulletin to direct all Law Officers to proceed on a three (3) days warning strike, commencing from Wednesday the 27h March 2024 to Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
“The time for empty promises and excuses has passed; the time for action is now. Our patience has worn thin and the situation has become unbearable for law officers. In the event that nothing is done after the expiration of the three (3) days warning strike, the Association shall, without further notice proceed on an indefinite strike.”