By Ebere Agozie
Mr Afam Okeke, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja, has urged the Kano State Government and the leadership of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN) to return to the negotiation table in good faith.
Okeke made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the action had understandably generated concern within the legal community and among members of the public who depend on the effective functioning of the justice system.
He noted that law officers play critical roles in the administration of justice and the protection of the rule of law, which cannot be undermined.
“Therefore, any prolonged disruption of their services inevitably impacts access to Justice for citizens.
“It is important to state that the right of workers to organise and engage in lawful industrial action is a fundamental labour right recognized under Nigerian labour laws and international labour standards.
“So, the significance of pursuing amicable resolution of labour disputes cannot be overstated, as it deescalates tension and mitigates potential strain on existing labour relations.
“However, parties to labour disputes are encouraged to explore negotiation, mediation, and conciliation as the most effective pathways to sustainable resolution.’’
Okeke consequently, urged the Kano State Government and the leadership of the association to return to the negotiation table in good faith and work towards an amicable resolution of the contentious issues.
He said that a solution that addresses legitimate welfare concerns while safeguarding the uninterrupted administration of justice will serve the best interests of the state and the public.
“The justice sector is a vital pillar of democratic governance, and every effort should be made to ensure that it continues to function efficiently and effectively.
“It is my hope that through mutual understanding, compromise, and commitment to the rule of law, this dispute will be resolved promptly and amicably,’’ he admonished.
NAN reports that chairman of LOAN, Abdullahi Shamsu, announced the decision to embark on the industrial action, citing what he described as the government’s failure to address long-standing issues affecting law officers in the ministry.
Shamsu said the lawyers were facing difficult working conditions and had yet to receive certain statutory allowances and other entitlements provided by law.
He noted that in spite of several engagements with the Kano State Government on the matter, the concerns of the law officers had remained unresolved, prompting the decision to begin an indefinite strike.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
