TheNewsGuru

Tag: Judicial Officers

  • We’ve started implementing 300% salary hike for judicial officers-AGF

    We’ve started implementing 300% salary hike for judicial officers-AGF

    The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi has said the Federal Government has started the implementation of the 300% pay rise for judicial officers.

    Fagbemi said this on Monday at the 12 Convocation ceremony of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in Ekiti State.

    “One ongoing concern before I took office was the poor remuneration of judicial officers,” the AGF said at the event’s grand finale where he was conferred with an honourary doctorate in Law.

    “I am again pleased to report that a major intervention of the Tinubu administration in the judiciary is the recent 300% upward review of the remuneration of judicial officers in Nigeria across board. To be true, I can confirm that the implementation of this has begun in earnest.”

    He described the move as “an important first step” in the President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to “strengthen the judiciary”.

    Tinubu had in August signed into law a bill seeking a 300% increase in salaries and allowances for judicial officials.

    His comment came months after the Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of local government autonomy in what many have described as a watershed in the nation’s democratic journey.

    Earlier in the year, Justice Fagbemi had sued the 36 state governors over alleged mismanagement of local government funds.

    Months later, the apex court ruled that it was illegal for states to hold local government funds.

    Before the verdict, local government funds were paid into a joint account managed by state governments and LGAs in their domains.

    Justice Emmanuel Agim directed that allocation from the federation account should be paid directly to local government areas henceforth, and not to state government coffers.

    This is our very modest contribution to the strengthening of our foundation and invariably the country’s democracy,” Fagbemi said.

    The AGF also said the Federal Government will be embarking on a holistic review of Nigeria’s laws to respond to the daily needs of the country.

    “We have assembled a team of legal luminaries to achieve this within a very limited timeframe,” the minister of justice said.

    “This law review intervention will cut across all aspects of our social, economic, and political life.”

  • Tinubu signs 300% salary increase bill for judiciary officers into law

    Tinubu signs 300% salary increase bill for judiciary officers into law

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday signed into law a bill that provides a 300 percent salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and state levels in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the bill, titled “Judicial Office Holders’ Salaries and Allowances,” was passed by the Senate in June 2024 and will allow the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to earn N64 million annually.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, in a statement issued on Tuesday noted that Tinubu’s signing of the bill marks his “unwavering commitment” to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.

    According to Lado, “This extraordinary move underscores Mr President’s absolute prioritization of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else just like he did when he recently put on hold an ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting to assent to the new National Minimum Wage Bill of N70,000.”

    He said the “New Act prescribes salaries, allowances, etc., for Judicial Officers to reflect the changing realities and consequentially amend the provisions of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.), Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) to delete the provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders.”

    Lado further stressed that among the salient features of the Act include, “The prescription of salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Judicial Officers.

    “The amendment of Certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) which provides for the deletion of provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders from the aforementioned Act.”

    He described the signing of the bill by the President as a landmark achievement and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.

    Lado said, “In a demonstration of his visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Nigerian people, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON has once again affirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation’s workforce by assenting to the revised Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Office Holders.

    “This landmark decision reflects Mr President’s profound dedication to ensuring that every salary earner in Nigeria, especially those serving in vital and strategic roles, receives the recognition and compensation they deserve.

    “By prioritizing the financial well-being of our judicial officers, Mr President is not only reinforcing the integrity of our justice system but also setting a new standard for leadership that truly values the hard work and sacrifices of all Nigerian workers.

    “Under President Tinubu’s administration, the welfare of our workers has become a central pillar of national progress.

    “His visionary policies continue to uplift the lives of millions, ensuring that the dignity of labour is upheld and that those who serve our nation are justly rewarded.

    “This assent is a clear testament to Mr. President’s tireless efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria, where every worker is empowered to contribute to the nation’s greatness.

    “As we look to the future with hope and determination, Mr President remains steadfast in his mission to champion initiatives that deliver fair compensation, improved working conditions, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

    The enactment of the bill means Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who is the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will henceforth receive an annual salary of ₦64 million.

    The President of the Court of Appeal is set to earn ₦62.4 million, while each Justice of the Supreme Court will be compensated with ₦61.4 million.

    Additionally, all heads of various courts, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and the President of the

    National Industrial Court will receive a uniform annual salary of ₦7.9 million.

  • Tinubu speaks on reviewing salaries, allowances of Judiciary officers

    Tinubu speaks on reviewing salaries, allowances of Judiciary officers

    Nigeria’s President,  Bola Tinubu has noted that his administration will take a critical look at the remuneration templates of judicial officers with a view to increasing it as a means of ending corruption in the sector.

    Tinubu made this known at the Aso Villa during the visit of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by Barrister Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).

    According to him, the battle against corruption necessitated a comprehensive review of the salaries and allowances of judicial officers, an issue that is well known to him, given his landmark success in reforming justice administration in Lagos State.

    “We must deal with the review of remuneration if we truly want to fight corruption in the Judiciary. We will look at the cost as well as the consequences,” he said in response to a request by the NBA president.

    Similarly,  Tinubu  acknowledged the importance of addressing the current vacancies within the Supreme Court, affirming that these vacancies represent obligations that must be fulfilled based on recommendations put forth by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    “Majority of them are on holiday now and when they return, we will take a look at what they have and we will fill the vacancies. It’s a fulfillment of an obligation,” he said.

    He thanked the NBA for deeming it fit to extend an invitation to him to declare open the association’s 63rd Annual General Conference this weekend in Abuja.

    The president revealed that he has numerous lawyers as close aides, including the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the State Chief of Protocol, Amb. Victor Adeleke, and his Principal Private Secretary, Prince Damilotun Aderemi.

    In his reation, the NBA President commended the President for appointing very distinguished members of the bar into his cabinet, including Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

  • CJN Tanko fumes: Enough is enough; we’ll no longer condone harassment of judicial officers

    CJN Tanko fumes: Enough is enough; we’ll no longer condone harassment of judicial officers

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, has warned individuals and agencies of the government against any form of harassment and embarrassment of judicial officers in the country.

    He gave the caution on Wednesday in Abuja at a special session organised to herald the formal commencement of the 2021/2022 legal year of the Supreme Court.

    Justice Muhammad, who appraised the performance of the judiciary in the just-concluded year, was very specific about the siege on the Abuja residence of Justice Mary Odili of the apex court.

    “I must say, we were jolted with embarrassing news of the invasion of the official residence of one of our brother Justices, Honourable Justice Mary Peter Odili, on Friday 29th October 2021, by men suspected to be security operatives, acting on a search warrant purportedly obtained from an Abuja Magistrate’s Court under questionable circumstance,” he said.

    “I must make it known to all and sundry that we have had enough dosage of such embarrassments and harassments of our judicial officers across the country and we can no longer take any of such shenanigans. The silence of the judiciary should never be mistaken for stupidity or weakness.

    “By the nature of our work, we are conservative but not conquered species and should not be pushed further than this by any individual, institution, or agency of the government. With time, those taking the judiciary as a mere weakling will soon realise that it is from the calmest seas, we often experience the fiercest storms.”

  • NJC recommends appointment of 26 Judicial officers, 18 Appeal Court Justices

    NJC recommends appointment of 26 Judicial officers, 18 Appeal Court Justices

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 18 candidates to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal.

    This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson of NJC, Soji Oye, on Friday in Abuja.

    The council said the decision to recommend the Judges for the various appointments was taken at the 94th Meeting of NJC held on Dec. 17 to Dec. 18 2020 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

    The Council further okayed the appointment of eight heads of court, even as it constituted a panel to probe allegations that were brought against a serving judge.

    It said the list of candidates presented by its Interview Committee was considered, after which it resolved to recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Governors of Rivers, Nasarawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Delta States, the 26 successful candidates for appointment as Justices of Court of Appeal and Heads of Court in Nigeria.

    It gave the list of the successful 18 candidates it recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench as Justices Bature Gafai, Muhammad Sirajo, Waziri Abdul-Azeez, Yusuf Bashir, Usman A. Musale, Jauro Wakili and Abba Mohammed, Others are Grand Kadi Mohammed Danjuma, Danlami Senchi, Mohammed Abubakar, Hassan Sule, Amadi Ikechukwu, Peter Affen, Sybil Gbagi and Olasumbo OGoodluck.

    Others are Justices Banjoko Ibironke, Hon. Olabode Adegbehingbe and Hon. Bola Ademola.

    The council also recommended the appointment of Justice Salisu Garba as Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi as Chief Judge of Rivers.It further recommended the appointment of Hon. Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze as President of Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.

     

    “All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective States Houses of Assembly”, the statement added.

    The NJC said it had also at the meeting, deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges.

    said the reports were presented by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

    The Council said it decided to empanel an investigation Committee against one Judge and issued two strong warning letters against 2 Judges of the Federal and State High Courts.

    It also resolved to set up a Medical Board to ascertain the health status of one Judge.

    Others are Justices Aisha Aliyu as Chief Judge of Nassarawa State, Sunday Omeiza Otu as Chief Judge of Kogi, Umar Sadiq as Chief Judge of Jigawa, Ngene Elvis as Chief Judge of Ebonyi , and Theresa T. Diai as Chief Judge of Delta.

    It further recommended the appointment of Justice a Elumeze as President of Customary Court of Appeal, Delta .

    “All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Buhari, and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective States Houses of Assembly”, the council added.

    More so, the NJC said it had also at the meeting, deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges.

    Council said Justice Olokoba was also put on the watch list of the Council for his failure to deliver judgment within the Constitutional period of 90 days and Hon. Justice Savage was reprimanded for not being in charge of his Court.

    “The remaining petitions were summarily dismissed for obvious and manifest lack of merit, being subjudice, overtaken by events or that such petitions were matters for appeal.

    “The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Justices Rita Pemu, Ita G. Mbaba and Theresa Orji-Abadua all of Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal; Justices O. O. Oguntoyinbo and A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Anslem A. Nwaigwe, Chief Judge of Ebonyi , Justices M. A. Abubakar, Binta Rijau of Niger State High Court, Maurice Eneji of Cross River and Kulu Aliyu, Chief Judge, Zamfara

  • Keep to the rules at all times – CJN tells judicial officers

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen has advised judicial officers to strictly abide by their oath of office, the provisions of the country’s constitution and laws for improved justice delivery.

    “The applications of these guiding rules can help guarantee the rule of law in the country,’’ he said.

    Onnoghen made the remarks after swearing in Justice Abdu Kafarati as the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court on Saturday in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Kafarati was sworn in to replace Justice Ibrahim Auta, who retired from the service on Sept.16 on attaining the compulsory retirement age of 65.

    The CJN said the duties of the judges required them to stay above board, adding that the oath of office had compelled them to do justice to all.

    “But it is also important to remind you that in performing that role, you must be bold and fearless not minding whose ox is gored.

    “The public still holds it perception about the judiciary, but ensure that your decisions and actions would assist in deepening the country’s unity.

    “I want to also urge all the judges to support the acting chief judge to succeed in his new office,’’ he said.

    On the out gone Chief Judge, Onnoghen expressed delight on his contribution to the country’s jurisprudence.

    The CJN said Justice Auta would forever be remembered for his impeccability, incorruptibility and sound judgments that had helped in strengthening law practice.

    “No judicial officer is immune or speared from criticisms. You had your fair share and you have left us today. We thank you for weathering those storms,’’ he said.

    Justice Kafarati, born in 1954 in Kwami, Gombe State got called into the Nigerian Bar between Oct.1975 and June 1978. Before his latest appointment, he was a judge at the Abuja Division of the court.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Justice Kafarati’s position can only become substantive if nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari and confirmed by the National Assembly.

     

     

    NAN