Related Posts
Magistrates and Law Officers in Taraba State have given the State Government 15 days ultimatum to restore their salaries and allowances in line with the State Harmonization Law of 2005 or face industrial action.
In a letter signed by the Chairman of the Union, Nierus Banadzem, and Secretary Emmanuel Anderifun, addressed to the State Governor through the State Head of Service and made available to journalists on Thursday, the Union lamented the continuous deduction of over 55% from the salaries of its members for the past eleven months despite repeated appeals, demands and even a warning strike.
The union noted that, the salaries and allowances of Law Officers in the State are regulated by the State Law Officers (Harmonization of Conditions of Service with Magistrates) Law No.3 of 2005 which was duly passed by the State House of Assembly.
The Union in the statement reminded the Governor of his promise to uplift the welfare of Law Officers, Magistrates and Judiciary workers during his campaigns, wondering that instead of keeping to his campaign, his administration has slashed their salaries by over 55% without repealing the existing law, adding that the development has brought untold hardship to its members.
“The action of the Governor is contrary to his campaign promises. The arbitral and unilateral slashing of our salaries and allowances is equally contrary to the Oath of Office he swore to and the Rule of Law.
“This administration came to power by virtue of the Rule of Law, and the Governor cannot begin to treat an extant law duly passed by the State Assembly over 10 years ago with disdain,” the Union said in a statement.
Sources close to NBA State Chairman told Taravoices that the association is planning to stage a protest on Monday after their extra ordinary Congress meeting to register their grievances.
But reacting to the development, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Sylvanus Giwa appealed to the Law Officers and Magistrates to come to negotiation table for the amicable resolution of the issue.
“There is no issue that cannot be resolved through meaningful dialogue, so I want to appeal to the Union to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation and strike. The State Government is very passionate about their welfare and would not do anything to jeopardise their interest.
