The Osogbo Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has made an appeal to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, to consider increasing the salaries and allowances of Magistrates and District Customary Court Presidents in the state. In addition to the plea for improved compensation, the association also expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of infrastructure in High Courts and Magistrate’s courts throughout the state.
In a letter dated October 3 and co-signed by the chairman and secretary of the NBA Osogbo Branch, Yemi Abiona and Ibrahim Hassan respectively, the association highlighted the need for better conditions of service for Magistrates, citing the sensitive nature of their work and the importance of insulating them from corrupt inducements and distractions.
The NBA pointed out that some neighboring states to Osun had taken measures to provide favorable conditions of service for their Magistrates. In light of this, the association requested that the governor provide official vehicles for Magistrates and Presidents of District Customary Courts. They emphasized that the lack of suitable vehicles was a top concern among other necessities required to ensure the welfare and optimal performance of these judicial officers.
The letter stated, “Our concern as an Association of lawyers is borne out of the pride of place which the judiciary occupies in our noble profession and which the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has entrusted on the judiciary.”
Furthermore, the NBA requested that the governor consider raising the remuneration, including salaries and allowances, for Magistrates and District Customary Court Presidents. They acknowledged the economic challenges faced by these officers in the face of rising prices of goods and services in the country.
The appeal from the Nigeria Bar Association Osogbo Branch underscores the importance of supporting the judicial system and ensuring that judicial officers are adequately compensated and provided with the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.