President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to improve the welfare of the nation’s judicial officers. The President’s message was delivered by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during the opening session of the All Nigerian Judges Conference of the Superior Courts on Monday, November 13.
In the speech, President Tinubu cautioned against undue criticism of the Judiciary, particularly regarding decisions on political cases. He also advocated for the appointment of Justices of the appellate court from outside the bench.
“I have directed the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to review its previous unacceptable recommendation of a 114 percent increase in the remuneration of judicial officers and come up with a more realistic rate that will reflect the present economic reality,” the President’s speech read.
Expressing optimism about the expeditious conclusion of the process, President Tinubu emphasized the commitment to making the Judiciary independent, echoing his efforts elsewhere. He urged patience, assuring that the necessary adjustments would be made.
“While the Nigerian Judiciary is not immune from certain challenges, it has, however, surmounted these limitations to creditably retain the status of both the last hope of the common man and the bastion of rule of law and democracy,” President Tinubu noted.
Acknowledging the historical significance and accomplishments of the Nigerian Judiciary, the President praised its role in nation-building and the global rule of law landscape. He highlighted the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy through landmark judgments.
President Tinubu concluded by acknowledging the Judiciary’s resilience in the face of criticism and attacks, especially in political and electoral cases. He commended the institution for maintaining its commitment to the advancement of the rule of law in Nigeria.