The Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has frowned and rejected the reduction of salaries of some judicial staff in Oyo State.
The branch chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, in a letter addressed to the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, called on the governor to reverse the action to avoid a total shutdown of the judicial system in the state.
The association expressed disbelief at the alleged deductions of salaries payable to magistrates and other cadres in the judiciary.
Titled: “The NBA Ibadan, rejects salary deductions of Magistrate’s, Presidents of Grade A Customary Court and other judiciary workers in Oyo state”, the letter read “the attention of the leadership and entire members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, has just been drawn to the alleged deductions of salaries payable to Magistrates and Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts in Oyo State.
“Our initial attitude to this disturbing development was that of disbelief and, consequently, dismissal as one of those wicked rumours being peddled by the adversaries of the Oyo State government against the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“The accustomed mudslinging informed this noncommittal posture against any person occupying a position of authority. There has been a series of damaging fables that placed the person of the governor at the centre of the vilest attacks.
“The NBA, Ibadan Branch, has refused to be dragged into partisan politics. Our mandate is unequivocal, and we dare to assert that the Association shall not shy away from defending the same when occasion dictates a course of action.
“The current news on salary deductions cannot be treated as purely administrative, as it touches on the core of the dispensation of justice. Those affected by the deductions are the nearest to ordinary people. Any disruption in the onerous duties assigned by law will impact them negatively.
“It is an open secret that all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, have been receiving almost three times the sum of revenue allocations accruable to them from the Federation Account in the past.’’
“We call on the Governor of Oyo State to look into the allegation on deductions of the salaries of the following categories of judicial personnel in the state: deputy chief registrars: N247,831.61, chief magistrate 1: N235,680.50, chief magistrate 2: N182, 646.88, senior magistrate: N133,926.79, magistrate Grade 1: N122,772.98, magistrate Grade 2: N106,113.70, deputy chief registrar for Customary Court of Appeal: N199,712.56, pioneer President, Customary Court Grade A: N151,000.00, newly appointed President Customary Court Grade A: N94,311.’’