NDC Governorship Candidate Condemns Enugu Law Officers’ Strike, Accuses Gov Mbah Of Neglecting Public Servants | Sahara Reporters

The association noted that the withdrawal of these allowances had forced some officers to use their personal funds to carry out official government assignments.

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, has expressed deep concerns over the ongoing seven-day warning strike by law officers in the state, accusing the Peter Mbah administration of neglecting critical public servants and failing in its duty of care.

In a press statement released on Saturday, and signed by his media aide, Sampson Ukwu, Ohaa described the strike as “sad and unacceptable,” noting that the very officers responsible for prosecuting cases and upholding the rule of law have been pushed to industrial action by the state government’s failure to address their welfare.

The strike, which commenced at midnight on Friday, was declared by the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Enugu State chapter, over alleged salary cuts, unpaid allowances, and prolonged neglect by the state government.

SaharaReporters had reported on Friday that the law officers said they had been forced to work under “harsh and impoverishing conditions,” alleging that the situation worsened in 2020 when their salaries were reduced and their hazard allowances completely removed.

The association noted that the withdrawal of these allowances had forced some officers to use their personal funds to carry out official government assignments.

The industrial action, which has affected official legal activities across courts, government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as correctional centres in the state, was announced in a statement titled, “A Call For Justice For Law Officers Of Enugu State”.

The strike notice, signed by Chapter Chairman Comrade K.P. Onyia Esq. and Secretary M.O. Onyeze Esq., listed six core demands: full harmonisation of Law Officers’ remuneration with those of Magistrates; payment of Bar Practicing Fees; payment of annual bar conference fees; full restoration and payment of transportation allowance with arrears; full restoration and payment of hazard allowance with arrears; and full restoration and payment of wardrobe allowance with arrears.

LOAN also directed all state counsel under the Ministry of Justice, government departments, and liaison offices to immediately down tools, suspending official legal representation on behalf of the state.

Members were specifically instructed to stay away from courts, correctional centres, police stations, and other law enforcement agencies during the strike period.

Reacting to the development, Ohaa, who is the NDC governorship candidate, stated that a government that could not take care of its own law officers has no moral authority to speak about good governance or the welfare of the people.

He described the strike as a “clear indictment of the Mbah administration’s priorities.”

“The welfare of law officers is not a privilege; it is a responsibility,” Ohaa said.

“When those who serve justice are demoralised and unpaid, the entire system suffers. My administration will prioritise the dignity and welfare of every public servant because we cannot build a new Enugu on the backs of neglected workers. This is part of our commitment under the MEGA agenda — Make Enugu Great Again.”

The NDC governorship candidate also cited Section 17(3)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides that the State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that “the conditions of work are just and humane, and that there are adequate facilities for leisure and for social, religious and cultural life.”

The party called on the Enugu State government to urgently address the legitimate demands of the Law Officers and end the avoidable industrial action, stating that the people of Enugu deserve a government that values its workforce and understands that justice cannot be delivered by officers who are demoralised and neglected.

The strike, which is expected to last for seven juridical days, will affect the participation of state Law Officers in court proceedings and other official legal duties during the period.

The association expressed hope that the brief period would enable the authorities to do the needful.