A Chief Magistrate in Cross Rivers State Judiciary, Mrs. Safiya Iyeh Ashipu and her two sons have taken to the State Governor’s office to protest non-payment of her salaries for two years.
The Chief Magistrate was spotted with two of her children carrying placards with different inscriptions, in protest of non-payment of her hard earned salaries.
“Your Excellency, I am a single mother of two. I have not been paid for 2 years please pay me”, her placard reads.
“Your Excellency, my Governor, please help me to complete my ‘ENT treatment please pay my mother her 2 years salary”, the placard of the elder son read.
“Your Excellency, my Governor, you have the power to help us and change our lives for the better please pay my mother”, and that of the little child read.
Mrs. Safiya Iyeh Ashipu presides at Chief Magistrate Court Odukpani to adjudicate on both civil and criminal matters.
However, this is the current debilitating state of the Judiciary left at the mercies of the Executive Arm of Government.
It has been claimed across several quarters that her action of protesting non-payment of her two years salaries is contrary to “Rules of Professional Conduct” or Code of Conduct for Magistrates.
Besides, it has also been suggested that the act of protesting non-payment of her earned salaries might cost her, her job.
Sadly, a Judicial Officer or Magistrate is expected to deliver justice without fear or favour and further expected not to be corrupt.
Lo and behold! How can a Judge/Magistrate who had been denied salaries for two consecutive years continue to uphold the standards required, even when her means of livelihood is not sustained?!
