EXCLUSIVE(SAHARA REPORTERS): Kwara Magistrates Lament N200k Pay, 'Okada' Commute to Court, Blame AbdulRazaq Govt

Judicial officers in Kwara State, specifically the magistrates, have come forward with strong allegations against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's government, accusing it of inadequate welfare provisions. They claim that a significant number of them receive monthly salaries below N200,000 and are compelled to use commercial motorcycles, popularly known as 'Okada', to get to their respective courts.

In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters, two magistrates, who chose to remain anonymous due to fears of punitive actions, characterized their predicament as both "humiliating" and "degrading." They highlighted a recurring pattern of being overlooked during the state government's distribution of official vehicles to judicial personnel. These sources pointed out that judges from higher courts, alongside senior judicial administrators like the Chief Registrar and Deputy Chief Registrar, have enjoyed enhanced welfare packages and vehicle provisions, a stark contrast to the ongoing difficulties faced by magistrates and Area Court judges.

"The majority of us do not possess personal vehicles," one magistrate disclosed, adding, "Whenever the governor allocates official cars, it is consistently the High Court judges and other senior judicial officers who are the beneficiaries. Magistrates are entirely overlooked." These judicial officers further claimed that Grade Level 1 magistrates across the state earn under N200,000 each month, a sum they deem grossly inadequate for a judicial position that demands significant respect and upkeep of the bench's integrity. The same source elaborated, "Given that our salaries do not reach N200,000, how can one expect a magistrate to afford a car? We commute to court daily via Okada. This is truly humiliating."

Another magistrate expressed their dismay to SaharaReporters, stating, "Picture this: you conclude court proceedings where everyone stands respectfully, addressing you as 'Your Worship,' only to step out and immediately find yourself jostling for an Okada, with litigants and lawyers observing. This scenario significantly erodes the prestige associated with the office and negatively impacts both our confidence and our output."

The judicial officers clarified that these welfare issues extend beyond just magistrates, impacting numerous Area Court judges throughout Kwara State as well. They contended that this neglect is especially unjust, considering that magistrates serve as the initial point of access to justice for the majority of Nigerians and are responsible for a substantial volume of criminal and civil litigation within the state. "We represent the judicial arm most accessible to everyday citizens," one source highlighted. "It's common for a magistrate to preside over more than seven distinct cases in a single day, yet our conditions of service do not correspond with the heavy workload we manage."

These sources indicated that the prevailing financial difficulties and the absence of official transport facilities have progressively dampened the morale of judicial officers in the lower courts. They issued a plea to the Kwara State Government for an immediate re-evaluation of the remuneration and terms of service for both magistrates and Area Court judges. They cautioned that persistent disregard for their plight could jeopardize the effectiveness and integrity of the state's judicial system. "We are not seeking lavish benefits," one magistrate asserted. "Our demand is for conditions that empower judicial officers to carry out their responsibilities with both dignity and autonomy."