The Ebonyi chapter of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria has suspended its court boycott following the Nigeria Bar Association’s intervention.

The group embarked on an indefinite boycott of all government lawsuits on March 8.

The lawyers were protesting against “negligence on welfare” by the state government.

The Chairman of the association, Ndubuisi Ogbuinya, on Thursday in Abakaliki stated that the association decided to return to court after meeting with the state NBA on Wednesday.

Mr Ogbuinya said, “Following the meeting we had with the stakeholders, the elders of the bar pleaded with us to suspend the boycott to enable NBA to mediate and resolve the matter.

“We boycotted the court activities to draw the government’s attention to the issue of our well-being.

“We want the government to address issues bordering on poor remuneration, non-funding of government cases, and government refusal to accommodate us in the payment of the minimum wage.

“We are appealing to the government to look into the welfare of law officers in the state, that’s all.”

The Chairman of the NBA in Ebonyi, Ogbonnaya Okorie, described the boycott suspension as a welcome development and urged the lawyers to embrace dialogue.

“We are happy they have returned to work because since the court boycott, no one was finding it easy.

“Their absence in court affected even the common man in society. It has affected litigants, defendants, and individuals but thank God they are back.

“Yes, they have the right to protest, but there is a need for peace between workers and the government.

“In every circumstance, there must be dialogue.

“We are ready to push on their behalf and ensure that their welfare is addressed,” Okorie said.

(NAN)