A former Chairman of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Okeke, has called on the Kano State Government and the leadership of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) to return to the negotiation table to resolve the ongoing strike by law officers in the state.
Okeke made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.
He noted that the industrial action had generated concern within the legal community and among members of the public who rely on the effective functioning of the justice system.
According to him, law officers play a crucial role in the administration of justice and in safeguarding the rule of law, warning that any prolonged disruption of their services could undermine access to justice.
“Any prolonged disruption of their services inevitably affects citizens’ access to justice,” he said.
Okeke acknowledged that workers have a legitimate right to organise and embark on lawful industrial action, noting that such rights are recognised under Nigerian labour laws and international labour standards.
However, he stressed that dialogue and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms remain the most effective ways of resolving labour disputes.
“The significance of pursuing amicable resolution of labour disputes cannot be overstated, as it helps de-escalate tension and reduces strain on labour relations,” he said.
He therefore urged both the Kano State Government and the leadership of the association to engage in negotiations in good faith and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution of the issues in dispute.
Okeke added that any solution should address the legitimate welfare concerns of the law officers while ensuring the uninterrupted administration of justice in the state.
“The justice sector is a vital pillar of democratic governance, and every effort must be made to ensure that it continues to function efficiently and effectively,” he said.
“It is my hope that through mutual understanding, compromise, and commitment to the rule of law, this dispute will be resolved promptly and amicably.”
Meanwhile, the chairman of LOAN in Kano State, Abdullahi Shamsu, announced the decision to embark on the industrial action, citing what he described as the government’s failure to address long-standing welfare issues affecting law officers in the Ministry of Justice.
Shamsu said the lawyers were facing difficult working conditions and had yet to receive certain statutory allowances and other entitlements provided by law.
According to him, despite several engagements with the Kano State Government on the matter, the concerns of the law officers remained unresolved, prompting the decision to commence an indefinite strike.
