No cars, poor pay: Lawyers expose dire conditions of Taraba magistrates

By Martins Abochol

Some legal practitioners in Taraba have expressed concern over the poor working conditions of magistrates and area court judges in Taraba.

According Mr Micheal Godwin, a lawyer with Ayuba Chambers in Jalingo, the remuneration of magistrates was very poor and not commensurate to that of the high court judges.

Godwin noted that Taraba magistrates were so underpaid and uncared for that they did not have official vehicles and could afford any mobility.

Godwin called on the state government to, as a matter of urgency, address the disparity between magistrates and high court judges in the state.

Also speaking, Mr Simon Musa, also a lawyer with Musa Solicitors and Co., stressed the need to upgrade the welfare schemes for magistrates to enable them discharge their duties without any inducement.

According to Simon, they need to be immuned financially to prevent them from engaging in any corrupt practices.

He also advised the state government to provide befitting office and residential accommodations for the magistrates.

Also speaking, Mr Ayuba Gajere, a judicial officer, underscored the need to improve the welfare of all judicial officers in the state.

Gajere noted the risks faced by judicial staff in the course of their duties and called for measures that would safeguard their lives.

He also called on the government to introduce a life insurance policy for judicial staff.

(NAN)