By FATIMA MOHAMMED-LAWAL

Members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kwara State Ministry of Justice Branch, on Wednesday issued a 7-day notice of an indefinite strike over unmet demands.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the notice is contained in a letter addressed to Gov. AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, jointly signed by the Acting Chairman of the Association, Barr. Kehinde Ayorinde and the Secretary, Barr. Tolulope Oniyide.

The lawyers said the notice was prompted by concerns over members’ welfare, adding that the association had previously written to the governor, appealing for the payment of the outstanding allowances.

“But sadly, the state government remained indifferent to our demands despite the pivotal role we have been playing in this administration.

“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 statement said.

The lawyers also listed giving legal advice to Ministres, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), rendering of legal service to indigent citizens and mediating in civil matters among others.

They recalled that a 3-day warning strike was embarked upon between Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 2025, which was thereafter suspended.

They explained that the suspension followed the intervention of the office of the HoS and Labour Unions with the promise that the demands would be attended to by the appropriate quarters.

They however alleged that since 2025, nothing had been done despite several letters of appeal written to revisit their demands.

“It is against this backdrop that we are constrained to give this 7-day notice of indefinite strike, which commenced from July 20 and to lapse on July 26 to press home our demands with a view to securing the attention of the state government,” they said.

The lawyers therefore demanded the payment of the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 2020 furniture allowance, as well as the payment of the outstanding 2024 furniture allowance.

Other demands include the payment of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 robe allowances, as well as the implementation of the harmonisation of salaries and allowances.

“We also call for general condition of services of state counsel with those of magistrates in the Kwara State Judiciary in line with 1999 and 2005 harmonisation approval

“If nothing is done before the expiration of this 7-day ultimatum as contained above, the association would have no other option than to proceed on an indefinite strike action,” they warned. (NAN)

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