Magistrates in Kwara State have raised an alarm over their worsening welfare conditions, accusing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration of total abandonment, institutional neglect, and exposing them to extreme economic hardship.
The judicial officers revealed that despite the sensitive and high-risk nature of their duties, many of them earn less than ₦200,000 monthly, forcing them to resort to commercial motorcycles (Okada) to commute to court.
In a sobering petition detailing their grievances, the Kwara State Magistrates outlined a stark contrast between their reality and the standard of living expected of judicial officers. They noted that the lack of official vehicles and inadequate security has not only stripped them of their dignity but also compromised their personal safety.
”It is deeply humiliating that magistrates, who preside over criminal cases and send dangerous elements to correctional facilities, are forced to take Okada to work. We are sitting ducks for disgruntled elements,” the report noted.
The magistrates highlighted key issues plunging the lower bench into crisis, stating that most magistrates take home less than ₦200,000 per month, an amount completely eroded by the current economic realities and high inflation.
He said, no official vehicles have been provided, forcing judges to crowd into public transport or patronize commercial motorcyclists alongside litigants and suspects they try in court.
He alluded that many magistrate courts across Kwara State are structurally compromised, lacking basic power supply, modern legal infrastructure, and conducive working environments.
Legal experts and civil society organizations have quickly weighed in on the development, warning that starving the judiciary of funds is a direct threat to the rule of law.
When magistrates are left economically vulnerable, the temptation for corruption increases, threatening the impartiality of the lower courts where over 70% of grassroots criminal and civil cases are heard.
The magistrates are calling on Governor AbdulRazaq to intervene immediately to avert a total collapse of the lower bench. Their demands include the immediate upward review of their consolidated salaries and allowances.
The also demand an urgent renovation of dilapidated courtrooms across the state and provision of official vehicles to ensure security and maintain the dignity of the office.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations raised by the judicial officers.
