Eniola Olorundare
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has raised his voice to the Federal Government for an increase in the salaries of judicial officers in the country.
Justice Dongban-Mensem made this statement known at the maiden edition of the Court of Appeal Legal Year and Justices Retreat in Abuja on Monday.
He revealed that the salaries of judicial officers had been stagnant for the past 10 years.
According to her, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who is the Head of the Judiciary in Nigeria, as at today takes home N279, 497 as monthly salary, while his brother justices on the Supreme Court bench goes home with N206,425.
She further revealed that as President of Court of Appeal, she received N206,425, while other justices on the bench of the Court of Appeal, went home with N166,285 every month.
It is not good enough as it tampers with the independence of the judiciary.
She therefore called on the federal and states governments to leave up to their obligations under the implementation of financial autonomy of state legislature and the state judiciary order, known as Executive Order 10.
“I implore the government of the federation and states to urgently review the salaries and allowances of judicial officers and staff.
“The salaries of justices are static with no graduation as in the civil and public service. We have been on one salary grade for over 10 years now.
“May I also call on government to increase financial allocations that will enable us to introduce technical innovations that would improve adjudication,” she said.
The Attorney -General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, (SAN), has appealed to the appellate court justices to maintain the sanctity and credibility of the court.
Malami also gave the assurance that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, was working to review the welfare of judicial officers generally to ensure greater efficiency.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that dignitaries present at the event included the FCT Minister Mr Mohammed Bello, the Minister Works and Housings, Mr Babatunde Fashola and retired and serving judges of courts.
