Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara State Chapter, has formally distanced itself from a leaked publication circulating in the public domain, describing the report as unauthorised and lacking the approval of the association's legitimate leadership. In a disclaimer issued by the association's chairman, the leadership stressed that the document, which had begun circulating publicly, was extracted directly from a private platform without due authorisation and therefore does not represent the official position, decisions, or communication of the association.
According to the association, the publication was lifted from a private group platform without obtaining the consent, knowledge, or approval of the Chairman, Executive Committee members, or the recognised leadership structure of MAN in Kwara State. "The Chairman of MAN association did not authorise this public release, and the contents contained herein do not reflect any official position, decision or communication from the association's leadership," the statement read.
The association further warned against treating any details contained in the leaked report as official information, insisting that all actions, statements, timelines, and dates referenced in the publication should not be relied upon by members of the public or stakeholders pending the release of an authenticated communication. The leadership maintained that ongoing discussions and internal engagements within the association should not be undermined or distorted through unauthorised disclosures. "We firmly state that our ongoing efforts, negotiations and internal processes should not be tarnished, misrepresented, or wasted by this unauthorised disclosure," the statement said.
The association further clarified: "Any actions, statements, or dates mentioned are not officially endorsed and should be disregarded until an official statement is issued through our proper channels." The Chairman and leadership of MAN, Kwara State Chapter, therefore urged members, stakeholders, and the general public to exercise caution and rely only on verified communications released through recognised channels. "For the record, only communications signed by the Chairman/Secretary or issued via our official designated platforms are to be considered authentic," the statement concluded. The association also declared that the disputed report stands disclaimed in its entirety and should not be treated as an official representation of the body under any circumstance.
The disclaimer comes amid reports that magistrates in Kwara State had declared plans to embark on an indefinite strike from Thursday, July 2, 2026, over poor welfare conditions, unpaid allowances and unfair treatment by the state government. According to some accounts, members of the association had expressed frustration over what they described as years of neglect and worsening working conditions. Among the grievances cited were a salary structure that reportedly sees magistrates earning less than court registrars on the same grade level, non-payment of furniture allowance since the administration of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, unpaid statutory entitlements, and unequal distribution of official vehicles.
However, the association's leadership has insisted that the release was not authorised and does not reflect any official position. The disclaimer raises questions about the authenticity and timing of the strike notice, as well as the internal dynamics within the magistrates' association. It remains unclear whether the leaked document was an early draft, a private discussion that was never intended for public consumption, or a deliberate attempt to create confusion. The association's leadership has not indicated whether a strike is still being contemplated, or whether the grievances that prompted the leaked notice have been addressed.
As of the time of this report, the Kwara State Government has not issued an official response to the controversy. The development comes amid growing concerns over the welfare of judicial officers across Nigeria, with magistrates in several states complaining about poor remuneration, lack of benefits, and inadequate working conditions. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the administration of justice in Kwara State, particularly if the underlying grievances remain unresolved.
For now, the association's leadership has drawn a firm line: any communication not signed by the Chairman or Secretary, or issued through official designated platforms, should be treated as unauthorised and disregarded. The public and stakeholders have been urged to await an official statement before drawing any conclusions about the association's position.
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