Kwara PDP Links State Lawyers’ Strike to Workers’ Welfare, Demands Urgent Government Action
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 deepening governance and workers’ welfare challenges in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the opposition party argued that the industrial action reflects what it called the government’s failure to prioritise key public institutions and the welfare of its workforce.
The PDP noted that the striking law officers play critical roles in the administration of justice, including prosecuting criminal cases, recovering government revenues, drafting legislation, vetting contracts and providing legal advice to ministries, departments and agencies.
According to the party, “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 the government’s refusal to address their legitimate welfare concerns.”
The opposition also linked the development to the earlier strike embarked upon by magistrates in the state over remuneration and unpaid allowances, describing the recurring industrial actions as evidence of growing dissatisfaction within the public service.
The PDP further questioned the utilisation of federal allocations to the state, claiming that Kwara has recorded significantly higher monthly receipts in recent times while workers continue to complain about poor welfare and unpaid allowances.
“The question every Kwaran should be asking is simple: Where is the huge monthly allocation going?” the statement read.
The party also expressed concern over the security situation in parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, arguing that inadequate support for security agencies and poor welfare for government workers have compounded governance challenges.
It maintained that many civil servants are struggling with the rising cost of living, saying salaries no longer reflect prevailing economic realities.
According to the statement, “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.”
The PDP called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to immediately engage the striking law officers through dialogue, address their welfare concerns and take broader measures to improve the condition of workers across the state.
It added that Kwara possesses the resources and human capital needed for development but requires leadership that prioritises workers’ welfare, strengthens public institutions, supports security agencies and ensures prudent management of public funds.
