Senate Approves 300% Salary Increase For Judicial Officers
The Senate has approved a bill seeking improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial officers at the federal and state levels. Towards this effect, a bill approving 300 per cent, pay raise for this category of judicial officers, scaled the third reading at the senate yesterday. The Senate approved a report presented by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC- Borno North), to the lawmakers. In the report, Senator Monguna said adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint. “Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision-making skills, and fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.” he noted. The bill is expected to be assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
New Salaries for Judicial Officers
In the latest review of judicial officers’ salaries made by President Bola Tinubu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, will now earn N1monthly basic salary and N4.3 million regular allowances. This was contained in an executive bill sent to the National Assembly by the President on Tuesday seeking an upward review of the salaries of judicial officers. After the House of Representatives approved Tinubu’s request to increase the salaries and allowances of judicial officers, the CJN will earn N13.5 million in annual basic salary and N51.2 million in regular allowances, making it a total of N64.7 million. Further analysis of the new salary structure showed that the President of the Court of Appeal will earn N62.4 million annually. In contrast, the justices of the Supreme Court will earn N61.4 million annually. It would be recalled that in October last year, retired Supreme Court Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad said the CJN N400,000 monthly salary is lower than the N1.2 million earned by the Supreme Court Registrar.
We’re Closely Monitoring Egina Spill Situation -NIMASA
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said it is closely monitoring the crude oil spill incident which took place during loading operations in Egina on 15th November 2023 at about 6:30am. The Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edwards, in a statement said the Agency is working closely with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) from the Crisis Management Room CMR, where the spill is being monitored real time using oil spill monitoring software from the Emergency Response Centre. NIMASA explained that though the volume of the spill is not yet confirmed, Total Energies is providing aerial surveillance, dispersant application, while further mobilization is being considered. “The Oil Spill Response Limited from the United Kingdom is also assisting with pollution control measures. Reconnaissance survey of the impacted area confirms that the shoreline communities of Andoni, Qua-Iboe terminals, Bonny Island, Opobo/Nkoro and Eastern Obolo, which are closest to Egina, are not yet affected,” the Agency said. NIMASA Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, noted that the Agency is in collaboration with all stakeholders to control the pollution and also put in place measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, in line with provisions of the MARPOL Convention. “Since the incident happened, our men have been liaising with other organs of Government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed, to protect the marine environment and the communities close to the incident point. Accidents do happen, it’s what we do thereafter that matters and I believe that the IOC Total, working with NIMASA, NUPRC, NOSDRA and collaborating with international service providers, will surely ensure proper management of the spill,” he said.
Kano Guber Judgement Saga: Appeal Court Cites Clerical Error
The Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Mr Umar Mohammed Bangari has cleared air on the controversies surrounding the judgment delivered by the Court on Kano gubernatorial election dispute. Bangari in reaction to the controversies said that what happened in the judgment body was a clerical error that did not in anyway invalidate or change the findings and conclusion of the court. The Chief Registrar assured that the clerical error would be rectified once parties in the matter file formal application to that effect. He drew the attention of newsmen to Order 23 Rule 4 of the Court of Appeal Handbook which empowers the court to correct any clerical error once detected by the court or any of the parties in the matter. He however insisted that contrary to insinuations, the judgment of the court remains valid. “What happened in the part of the judgment is just a mere clerical error that ought not to draw any issue. The Court is empowered to correct such clerical error and would be done as appropriate. There had been misgivings and a series of interpretations into the judgment which upheld the judgment of Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that invalidated the election of Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as winner of the March 18 gubernatorial poll.
Chief Judge Releases Postings For 23 New Judges
Sequel to the appointment of 23 new judges, the Honorable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has released a new posting of the court’s judges to various divisions across the country. The Chief Judge directed the affected judges to report at their duty stations before the date of resumption from the Christmas vacation, being the 8th day of January, 2023. In a statement signed by the Assistant Director Information of the court, Catherine Oby Christopher, PhD, on Wednesday, the CJ wished his fellow lordships a wonderful vacation in advance. Below is the list of judges and their new postings: 1. ABUJA : 1. HON. JUSTICE J.T. TSOHO — Chief Judge 2. HON. JUSTICE G.K. OLOTU 3. HON. JUSTICE B.F.M. NYAKO 4. HON. JUSTICE R.N. OFILI- AJUMOGOBIA 5. HON. JUSTICE A.R. MOHAMMED 6. HON. JUSTICE I. E. EKWO 7. HON. JUSTICE D.U. OKOROWO 8. HON. JUSTICE JOYCE OBEHI ABDULMALIK 9. HON. JUSTICE JAMES KOLAWALE OMOTOSHO 10. HON. JUSTICE EMEKA NWITE 11. HON. JUSTICE OBIORA ATUEGWU EGWUATU 12. HON. JUSTICE MOBOLAJI OLUBUKOLA OLAJUWON 13. HON. JUSTICE NKEONYE EVELYN MAHA 2. UMUAHIA -ABIA 1. HON. JUSTICE SUNDAY ONU 2. HON. JUSTICE MUSA KAKAKI 3. YENAGOA — BAYELSA 1. HON. JUSTICE ISA HAMMA ADAMA DASHEN 2. HON. JUSTICE SALIM OLASUPO IBRAHIM 4. BENIN -EDO 1. HON. JUSTICE S. M. SHUAIBU 2. HON. JUSTICE CHUKA AUSTINE OBIOZOR 5. BIRNIN KEBBI.- KEBBI 1. HON. JUSTICE EMMANUEL GAKKO 6. KADUNA 1. HON. JUSTICE R.M. AIKAWA 2. HON. JUSTICE HAWAU BUHARI 7. KANO 1. HON. JUSTICE A.M. LIMAN 2. HON. JUSTICE M.N. YUNUSA 3. HON. JUSTICE S.A. AMOBEDA 8. LAGOS 1. HON. JUSTICE J.T. TSOHO – Chief Judge 2. HON. JUSTICE A.O. FAJI 3. HON. JUSTICE A. LEWIS -ALLAGOA 4. HON. JUSTICE C.J. ANEKE 5. HON. JUSTICE YELLIM S. BOGORO 6. HON. JUSTICE DANIEL EMEKA OSIAGOR 7. HON. JUSTICE AKINTAYO ALUKO 8. HON. JUSTICE PETER ODO LIFU 9. HON. JUSTICE ABIMBOLA O. AWOGBORO 10. HON. JUSTICE DIPEOLU DEINDE ISAAC 11. HON. JUSTICE OGUNDARE KEHINDE OLAYIWOLA 12. HON. JUSTICE IBRAHIM AHMAD KALA 13. HON. JUSTICE OGAZI FRIDAY NKEMAKONAM 9. ILORIN -KWARA 1. HON. JUSTICE EVELYN NMASINULO ANYADIKE 2. HON. JUSTICE ARIWOOLA OLUKAYODE JNR. 10. AKURE – ONDO 1. HON. JUSTICE TOYIN BOLAJI ADEGOKE. 2. HON. JUSTICE OWOEYE ALEXANDER OLUSEYI 11. IBADAN -OYO 1. HON. JUSTICE UCHE N. AGOMOH 2. HON. JUSTICE EKERETE UDOFOT AKPA 12. ABEOKUTA -OGUN 1. HON. JUSTICE A.A. OKEKE 2. HON. JUSTICE ADEFUNMILOLA ADEKEMI DEMI – AJAYI 13. ADO -EKITI, EKITI 1. HON. JUSTICE B.O. KUEWUMI 2. HON. JUSTICE B.O. QUADRI 14. ASABA- DELTA 1. HON. JUSTICE F.A. OLUBANJO 2. HON. JUSTICE AGBAJE OLUFUNMILOLA ADETUTU 15. AWKA – ANAMBRA 1. HON. JUSTICE NNAMDI DIMGBA 16. ABAKALIKI – EBONYI 1. HON. JUSTICE HYELADZIRA AJIYA NGANJUWA 2. HON. JUSTICE M.T. SEGUN- BELLO 17. OWERRI -IMO 1. HON. JUSTICE INIEKENIMI NICHOLAS OWEIBO 2. HON. JUSTICE WIGWE-OREH CHITURU JOY 18. WARRI- DELTA HON. JUSTICE I.M. SANI 19. PORT HARCOURT —RIVERS 1. HON. JUSTICE P.I. AJOKU 2. HON. JUSTICE E.A. OBILE 3. HON. JUSTICE PHEOBE MSUEN AYUA 4. HON. JUSTICE STEPHEN DAYLOP PAM 5. HON. JUSTICE ADAMU TURAKI MOHAMMED 6. HON. JUSTICE SA’ADATU IBRAHIM MARK 20. CALABAR — CROSS – RIVER 1. HON. JUSTICE I. L. OJUKWU 2. HON. JUSTICE ROSEMARY O. DUGBO. OGHOGHORIE 21. UYO — AKWA-IBOM 1. HON. JUSTICE M.A. ONYETENU 2. HON. JUSTICE ONAH CHIGOZIE SERGIUS 22. MAKURDI – BENUE 1. HON. JUSTICE M.S. ABUBAKAR 2. HON. JUSTICE EGBE RAPHAEL JOSHUA. 23. ENUGU 1. HON. JUSTICE M.G. UMAR 2. HON. JUSTICE F.O. GIWA- OGUNBANJO 24. MAIDUGURI -BORNO 1. HON. JUSTICE JUDE KANYIOH DAGAT 2. HON. JUSTICE TIJJANI GARBA RINGIM 25. YOLA- ADAMAWA: 1. HON. JUSTICE SALEH KOGO IDRISSA 2. HON. JUSTICE ABDULAZEEZ M. Z. ANKA 26. BAUCHI 1. HON. JUSTICE MUSA SULAIMAN LIMAN 2. HON. JUSTICE AISHATU AUTA IBRAHIM 27. KATSINA 1. HON. JUSTICE AHMAD GAMA MAHMUD 2. HON. JUSTICE HUSSAINI DADAN- GARBA 28. GUSAU-ZAMFARA 1. HON. JUSTICE AMINU BAPPA ALIYU 29. JALINGO – TARABA 1. HON. JUSTICE BALA KHALIFA- MOHAMMED USMAN 30. MINNA -NIGER 1. HON. JUSTICE GARBA AMINU 2. HON. JUSTICE MUHAMMAD DAN- IGE 31. LAFIA -NASARAWA: 1. HON. JUSTICE NEHIZENA IDEMUDIA AFOLABI 2. HON. JUSTICE ANYALEWA ONOJA -ALAPA 32. LOKOJA -KOGI 1. HON. JUSTICE ABDU DOGO 2. HON. JUSTICE ABIODUN JORDAN ADEYEMI 33. JOS-PLATEAU 1. HON. JUSTICE D.V. AGISHI 2. HON. JUSTICE SHARON TANKO ISHAYA 34. OSOGBO- OSUN: 1. HON. JUSTICE N. AYO- EMMANUEL 2. HON. JUSTICE MASHKUR SALISU 35. SOKOTO 1. HON. JUSTICE Z. B. ABUBAKAR 36. GOMBE 1. HON. JUSTICE HILLARY IDE OSHO OSHOMO 2. HON. JUSTICE AMINA ALIYU MOHAMMAD 37. DUTSE – JIGAWA 1. HON. JUSTICE HASSAN DIKKO 38. DAMATURU – YOBE: 1. HON. JUSTICE FADIMA MURTALA AMINU 2. HON. JUSTICE YILWA HAUWA JOSEPH.
Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Olukoyede As EFCC Chairman To 2024
The Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed February 22, 2024, for hearing in the suit challenging the appointment of Mr Ola Olukoyede, as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Justice Obiora Egwuatu stated this on Wednesday after the parties agreed that the date was convenient for all.When the matter was called, the plaintiff, Mr Victor Opatola, a lawyer who chose to represent himself, told the court that he had received the preliminary objections to the suit from the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation.Opatola, however, said that he had yet to receive any process from the National Assembly (NASS) and the EFCC chairman.The counsel representing NASS, Mr Israel Obaniyi told the court that the legal department of the Assembly passed the information to his team only on Tuesday.He said he would peruse the brief and file his response before the next adjourned date.The EFCC lawyer, Mr R.O Adakole also told the court that he would also put his house in order before the next adjourned date.The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until February 22, 2024.Opatola, an Abuja-based lawyer had dragged the federal government, NASS and Attorney-General to court over alleged illegal appointment of Olukoyede, as the Chairman of EFCC.The lawyer in the suit was challenging the validity of the appointment of the EFCC chairman.The lawyer asked the court to determine whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2 (1) (a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Olukoyede, who had not fulfilled the conditions of the Act, could be validly appointed as the EFCC chairman.He also asked the court to determine whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, the person appointed to the office of the chairman of the EFCC could be said to be above the rank of assistant commissioner of police or its equivalent.“Whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1) (a) (iii) of the EFCC Act 2004, the interpretation of subsection (iii) should be read disjunctively of subsection (ii) of the act in a manner that Olukoyede, who was appointed to the office of the chairman of EFCC can be said to have 15 Years of cognate experience in any field outside the government security or law enforcement agency.“Whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1) (a) (ii) (iii) of the EFCC Act 2004, the national assembly can validly confirm the appointment of Olukoyede who has not fulfilled the provisions of the law.”Opatola also prayed the court to make further declarations upon the determination of the above questions.“A declaration that pursuant to Section 2(1)(a) (ii)(iii) of the EFCC Act, the appointment of Olukoyede to the office of the EFCC chairman is illegal and void.“A declaration that pursuant to Section 2(1)(a) (ii)(iii) of the EFCC Act, any confirmation of the 4th defendant’s appointment made by the national assembly is void and of no legal consequence.”The counsel also asked the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the national assembly from confirming the appointment of the EFCC chairman.He further prayed to the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining Olukoyede from holding office as chairman of EFCC.
CJN Ariwoola Inaugurates 58 New SANs November 27
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will swear-in 58 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the main Courtroom of the Supreme Court, as part of the programme lined up for the 2023/2024 legal year of the Court. In line with the age-long tradition, the CJN will during the special court session, deliver a state-of-the Judiciary address that would highlight the performance of the Supreme Court in particular and the Nigerian Judiciary in general in the 2022/2023 legal year. The Director of Press and Information of the Apex Court, Dr Akande Festus made this known in a press statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja. According to him, other leading stakeholders in the Justice Sector will present speeches bordering on the state of the justice sector of the country at the occasion. They include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) amongst others. It will be recalled that 114 applications were received by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2023. Out of the number, 101 are advocates while 13 are academics. The total number of qualified applicants shortlisted after the Advocates 1st and 2nd Filtration Stages, Academic Pre-qualification, Academic 2nd Filtration Exercise, the Independent Appeals Hearing and Chambers Inspection Exercises was 69 comprising 57 advocates and 12 academics. After conducting the specified screening and filtration exercises which include a number of appearances in superior courts, recommendations by Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of superior courts, Chamber inspections; approval on eligibility and integrity of the candidates from the Nigerian Bar Association, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the general public, amongst others, the LPPC came up with 58 successful candidates. Out of the figure, 57 are advocates while one is an academic. The Supreme Court commenced its annual vacation on Monday, 24th July, 2023. Though the Court had started sitting since Monday, 18th September, 2023, the new legal year ceremony is to be formally held in accordance with its tradition. All the programmes outlined to mark the formal commencement of the new legal year will start at 10 am in the main Courtroom of the Supreme Court.
22 Justices Nominated For Supreme Court Promotion (Full List)
The Federal Judicial Service Commission has forwarded a list of 22 justices from the Court of Appeal to the National Judicial Council, marking them as potential candidates for elevation to Nigeria’s prestigious Supreme Court. In a move highlighting geographical diversity, the nominations represent various regions across Nigeria, showcasing a comprehensive array of candidates. Among the nominees, six justices originate from the north-central region, while the southeast and south-south regions boast six and two nominees, respectively. Additionally, the southwest region has two nominations, and both the northeast and northwest regions contribute two candidates each. Here’s a breakdown of the nominated justices from the different regions: South East Hon Justice Nwaoma Uwa (Abia State) – Priority Hon Justice Onyekachi Otisi (Abia State) – Reserve Hon Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ebonyi State) – Priority Hon Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua (Imo State) – Reserve Hon Justice Anthony Ogakwu (Enugu State) – Priority Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-lheme (Imo State) – Reserve South South Hon Justice Moore Adumein (Bayelsa State) – Priority Hon Justice Biobele Georgewill (Rivers State) – Reserve South West Hon Justice Adewale Abiru (Lagos State) – Priority Hon Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (Osun State) – Reserve North Central Hon Jummai Sankey (Plateau State) – Priority Hon Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau) – Reserve Hon Justice Stephen Adah (Kogi State) – Priority Hon Justice Ridman Maiwada Abdullahi (Nassarawa State) – Reserve Hon Justice Baba Idris (Niger State) – Priority Hon Justice Joseph Ikyegh (Benue State) – Reserve North East Hon Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (Bauchi State) – Priority Hon Justice Abubakar Talba (Adamawa State) – Reserve North West Hon Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu (Jigawa State) – Priority Hon Justice Bello Aliyu (Zamfara State) – Reserve Hon Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (Kebbi State) – Priority Hon Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero (Kano State) – Reserve
Strive To Maintain Public Trust, CJN Tasks Judges
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has tasked judicial officers in Nigeria to work assiduously towards sustaining public confidence and trust reposed on the judiciary. Ariwoola posited that as indispensable pillars of democracy, judicial officers must distance themselves from all forms of indiscretions and ventures capable of bringing the judiciary to disrepute. The CJN gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the 2023, All Nigerian Judges’ Conference in Abuja. “My Lords, the importance of the foregoing cannot be overemphasized since what we do now will invariably determine the legacy we leave behind. Justice Ariwoola described the conference as a “convergence of the most brilliant minds and mainstays of hope and order in the society” adding that the conference primarily serves the dual purpose of stocktaking and visioneering. The CJN expressed dismay over the way decisions of the Court are treated with orders of the Court being flagrantly disobeyed. “While there is no justification for this, it is impossible to divorce this unsettling development from the perceived image of the Judiciary as a mere appendage of the other arms of government, expected to do their bidding at all times and incapable of making decisions devoid of predilection. He exuded confidence that the Conference, which is the first since the commencement of the new administration, will come with an improved disposition towards the welfare of the Judiciary especially as it pertains to the protracted issue of its independence as well as a strong desire to foster healthy and productive relationships among all three arms. “It is my hope that the Conference will help drive robust discussions between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary on fostering mutual respect for one another and also on strengthening synergies devoid of any subterfuge. “It will equally afford us the opportunity to unravel the issues already identified, the bulk of which holds grave repercussions for Nigeria’s polity. “It is also my firm belief that this interface will reaffirm across the board, our commitment to upholding the tenets of Democracy and the Rule of Law therefore bolstering the trust and confidence of the citizenry in the operationality of the government” Justice Ariwoola stated. In his welcome address, the Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi, said the Conference provides a platform to give judges the acclaim for their unrelenting devotion to prospering the ends of justice, and for their conspicuous role in nation building. Secondly, he said the Conference affords Judges the opportunity to critically appraise happenings and developments in the course of the year, especially those that greatly impacted the performance of their functions and which holds great implications for the Judiciary by extension. “In the same vein, while it is a cardinal rule of natural justice that no one should be a judge in his own cause, this Conference offers an apposite exception to this since it allows judicial officers to evaluate and critique themselves, Abdullahi said. The goal of such evaluation, he said, is to enable advancement and growth within the Judiciary through the conclusions that will be reached and strategies that will be devised from robust discussions led at the Conference. He stated that the theme of the Conference; “STRENGTHENING JUDICIAL COMMITMENTS TO THE RULE OF LAW AND DEMOCRACY”, will afford Judges the opportunity to recharge, recalibrate and re-strategize.
NDIC Lauds Judiciary’s Understanding Of Deposit Insurance Practice
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commended the judiciary on its better understanding of the deposit insurance practice towards promoting stability of the nation’s financial system. NDIC Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Bello Hassan gave the commendation in his welcome address at the 2023 Sensitization Seminar, organized by the Corporation in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Judges of the Federal High Courts with theme: “Strengthening Depositors Confidence in Banks and Other Financial Institutions through Speedy Dispensation of Justice”, held in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. Mr. Hassan stated that the overarching objective of the Deposit Insurance Scheme in Nigeria is to protect depositors in the event of failure of the insured institutions, thereby engendering confidence and curtailing the incidence of bank runs in the system. He however noted that in carrying out its mandate efficiently, the Corporation required an effective collaboration with the judiciary, in view of its critical role in resolving disputes that often arise from revocation of banking licences, liquidation of failed banks and termination of liquidation activities. While stating that the Corporation, since inception, has been confronted with many challenges such as misconception of its mandate and basic principles of Deposit Insurance, the NDIC Boss expressed gratitude that the seminar organized in collaboration with the NJI, has resulted in a better understanding of the Corporation’s distinct roles by members of the Bar and the Benchas well as speedy dispensation of cases involving banks in-liquidation for the sake of financial system stability in Nigeria. To deepen knowledge of the Deposit Insurance practice and law, Hassan disclosed that papers presented at previous editions of the annual events have been published by the Corporation under the title: “Law and Practice of Deposit Insurance in Nigeria’’ in two volumes to serve as a veritable reference material, adding that the publications are being distributed free of charge to our stakeholders.