By joshua 
RE: LAW OFFICERS ISSUES STRIKE NOTICE TO KOGI GOVERNMENT OVER UNRESOLVED DEMANDS.
By Hon. Barr. Prince A. A. Oziandu
The Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Kogi State Chapter, has once again raised its voice over long-neglected welfare issues by issuing a seven-day warning strike notice to the Kogi State Government. This notice, if not given the urgent attention it deserves, could have far-reaching implications on the smooth administration of justice in the state.
The strike notice, signed by the association’s Chairman, Mr. Shola Yusuf, underscores critical welfare demands that remain unattended to despite repeated engagements with the Ministry of Justice management and direct appeals to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
These demands include:
1. Harmonization of law officers’ salaries with those of magistrates, to ensure parity and equity in remuneration.
2. Payment of members’ bar practicing fees, as required by law for the effective practice of every lawyer.
3. Settlement of the 2025 Annual Bar Conference fees, which is part of the continuing legal education (CLE) obligations recognized under the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).
4. Reversal of the removal of hazard allowances, considering the sensitive and sometimes life-threatening nature of legal work in criminal prosecution and defense of the state.
5. Correction of wrong placement of members on grade levels below their year of call, a matter directly tied to career progression and professional dignity.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), under Section 17(3), mandates the state to ensure that “all citizens, without discrimination on any group whatsoever, have the opportunity for securing adequate means of livelihood, suitable employment, and just and humane conditions of work.” Law officers, being an integral part of the justice delivery system, cannot be treated otherwise.
Furthermore, under Section 36 of the Constitution, every Nigerian is entitled to fair hearing. This right is practically safeguarded by law officers whose duties include prosecution of criminal cases, drafting of legal documents, and representation of the government in civil suits. If law officers withdraw their services, the constitutional right to fair hearing and speedy trial is directly jeopardized.
The Supreme Court in FGN v. Osahon (2006) 5 NWLR (Pt. 973) 361 recognized the powers of law officers in criminal prosecution as being constitutionally entrenched. It follows, therefore, that their welfare is not a matter of luxury but necessity for the sustenance of justice.
Law officers are the backbone of the state’s legal system. They are:
# The ones who ensure that criminals are diligently prosecuted in courts.
# The ones who defend the state in civil matters, saving government billions of naira in claims.
# The ones who draft laws, agreements, and contracts that protect the state from exploitative deals.
To neglect them is to weaken the entire justice system of the state. If they proceed on strike, criminal trials will stall, civil cases will be delayed, and the state’s credibility in upholding rule of law will be undermined.
For examples Several states in Nigeria have recognized the critical role of law officers and treated them with dignity:
Lagos State: Law officers enjoy special allowances, regular training, and harmonized salary structures that encourage dedication and loyalty.
Rivers State: The state government pays practicing fees and bar conference dues of all law officers, recognizing these as statutory professional obligations.
Kaduna State: Hazard allowances and welfare packages are provided to law officers, acknowledging the risks associated with prosecution of dangerous crimes.
If these states can treat their law officers with honor, there is no reason why Kogi State—rich in human and natural resources—cannot rise to the same standard.
The strike notice by LOAN must be seen as a final warning rather than mere agitation. The government should act with urgency, fairness, and foresight. A collapse of the justice system due to neglect of law officers’ welfare will not only tarnish the image of Kogi State but also endanger the rule of law and security of lives and property.
Law officers are not asking for favors but for justice in their conditions of service. Addressing their demands will not only avert strike action but also strengthen the justice sector and boost public confidence in government.
Kogi is capable of doing this—and now is the time to act.
Hon. Barr. Prince A A Oziandu