President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to implementing an extensive revamp of the criminal justice system.
This commitment was expressed as he met with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), headed by its president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
In a statement released on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, it was disclosed that President Tinubu emphasized the importance of reevaluating the compensation provided to judicial officers across the nation, especially in the context of the ongoing battle against corruption.
The President recognized that addressing this issue requires careful consideration of both salaries and allowances, drawing from his significant achievements in reforming the justice and administration sectors during his tenure as the governor of Lagos State.
“We cannot truly combat corruption within the Judiciary without addressing the revision of remuneration. We will assess the costs and consequences of this endeavour,” President Tinubu responded to a request made by the NBA president.
Furthermore, President Tinubu acknowledged the necessity of resolving existing vacancies within the Supreme Court. He stressed that these obligations must be met in accordance with recommendations from the National Judicial Council, stating, “Once the majority of them return from their current vacation, we will thoroughly evaluate their recommendations and proceed to fill the vacancies. This is an essential obligation we intend to fulfill.”
The President expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by the NBA to inaugurate the association’s 63rd Annual General Conference (AGC), scheduled to take place in Abuja from August 25 to September 1.
He expressed satisfaction in having legal experts as close advisors, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, State Chief of Protocol Victor Adeleke, and his Principal Private Secretary, Prince Damilotun Aderemi.
In his remarks, the NBA president lauded President Tinubu for appointing esteemed members of the bar to his cabinet, specifically highlighting Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The upcoming annual NBA conference, themed “Getting It Right, Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building,” will convene legal professionals, experts, and stakeholders to engage in discussions concerning critical issues pertaining to Nigeria’s national development.
