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  • Tinubu Hasn’t Approved 114% Salary Increase For Politicians, Judges — Alake

    Tinubu Hasn’t Approved 114% Salary Increase For Politicians, Judges — Alake

    The Presidency on Thursday debunked the allegation that it has granted approval for the upward review of salaries for political office holders and judicial officers.

    This clarification was made by Dele Alake, Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

    Recall that there has been a report that went viral to the effect that the government has approved a new payment template that has increased salaries for political office holders and judicial officers.

    But reacting to the report, Mr. Alake said, “We have followed with consternation the viral story of the purported 114% increase in the salary of the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office holders and judicial officers.

    “We state without any equivocation that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration.

    “While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and Judicial Officers, such can not come to effect until it has equally been considered and approved by the President.

    “It is important to note that RMAFC, through its Public Relations Manager, has responded to this fake story being circulated and has already set the record straight.

    “However, that this unfounded story gained prominence on social media and in a section of mainstream media, again, brings to the fore the danger fake news poses to the society and our national well-being.

    “The misinformation was, obviously, contrived to create ill-will for the new administration, slow down the upward momentum and massive goodwill the Tinubu-led administration is currently enjoying among Nigerians as a result of its fast paced, dynamic and progressive policies.”

    Alake reiterated to journalists, media managers, and members of the public that stories on government activities and policy issues that do not emanate from approved official communication channels should be ignored.

    He said, “Media practitioners are enjoined to, at all times, cross-check their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism.”

  • FG Confirms 114% Salary Increase For Politicians, Judges

    FG Confirms 114% Salary Increase For Politicians, Judges

    The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, said that it plans an upward salaries review for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kasim Shettima, governors, judiciary officers and other political office holders.

    According to NAN, the Chairman of RMAFC, Alhaji Muhammadu Shehu, disclosed this at the presentation of reports of the reviewed remuneration package to Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

    However, Shehu did not state the per cent salary increment; he urged the 36 State Houses of Assembly to hasten efforts to amend relevant laws to allow the review of remuneration packages for political, judicial and public officers upward.

    Shehu’s statement comes amid speculations that Tinubu, Shettima, governors, judges and other political persons’ salaries had been increased by 114 per cent.

    The RMAFC chairman, represented by the Federal Commissioner, Mrs Rakiya Tanko-Ayuba, said the proposed salary review is in line with the provisions of Paragraph 32(d) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Government (as amended).

    He said: “It empowers the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders, including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators and the holders of the offices mentioned in Sections 84 and 124 of the Constitution of the federal government.”

    Shehu said the last review of the remuneration was carried out in 2007, which culminated in the “Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008.

    “Sixteen years after the last review, it is imperative that the Remuneration Packages for the categories of the office holders mentioned in relevant Sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) should be reviewed,” he added.

  • High Court Declares Election Break for Judges

    High Court Declares Election Break for Judges

    The Federal High Court has declared a short break to enable its judges to vote in Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

    In a circular signed by the Chief Judge of the court, John Tsoho, it was announced that the break will begin from Wednesday (22 February ) and end on 28 February.

    It was further stated that there would be judges designated to hear urgent cases from different parts of the country. Under the arrangement, a judge will be designated to hear urgent cases from the North, South-west, and South-south/South-east regions in the country.

    The statement read;

    “The Administrative Judges in the Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt Judicial Divisions, shall ensure that a Judge is designated to cater for the North, South-West, SouthSouth/South-East Geo-political Areas, respectively, regarding urgent matters during the period.

    “In view of the large volume of Pre-Election cases filed so far; with the imminent attendant risk of lapsing, it has become necessary to constitute a Task Force to speedily dispose of the matters, particularly in those Judicial Divisions with a glut of them.

    “Members of the task force will have four weeks within which to dispose of the pre-election cases.”

  • NJC Issues Warning To Two Judges, Places One On ‘Watch List’

    NJC Issues Warning To Two Judges, Places One On ‘Watch List’

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Wednesday issued a letter of warning to two judges and placed one of them on the ‘watch list’.

    This was announced in a statement signed on Wednesday by Soji Oye, the Director, Information, NJC, in Abuja.

    The judges affected include Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Justice M. M. Ladan of the High Court of Kaduna State.

    Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja was issued a warning letter and placed on Council’s “Watch List” for a period of one year while Justice M. M. Ladan of the High Court of Kaduna State was issued a letter of warning.

    The NJC also recommended the appointment of six heads of court and nine judicial officers for the Federal and State High Courts, Sharia Court, and Customary Court of Appeal.

  • Three Barred From Promotion For Granting Conflicting Orders

    Three Barred From Promotion For Granting Conflicting Orders

    Three Judges of Courts who granted conflicting ex parte orders have been barred from promotion to higher bench for a period ranging from two to five years whenever they are due.

    The National Judicial Council took the decision following its two days meeting held on December 14 and 15 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, said even though there was no written petition, allegations of corruption or impropriety against the subject judges, the Council nevertheless, initiated investigation.

    The move, he said, is in pursuant to the NJC’s inherent disciplinary powers under the Constitution to unravel the circumstances that led to the spate of Exparte Orders granted by these Courts of coordinate jurisdiction over matters bearing same parties and subject matter.

    The National Judicial Council rose from its two days meeting held on 14 and 15 December 2021, with a resolution to bar the three Judges of Courts of concurrent jurisdiction who granted conflicting Exparte Orders in matters with the same parties and subject matter from promotion to higher Bench for a period ranging from two to five years whenever they are due.

    “Even though there was no written petition, allegations of corruption or impropriety against the subject judges, Council nevertheless, initiated an investigation pursuant to its inherent disciplinary powers under the Constitution to unravel the circumstances that led to the spate of Exparte Orders granted by these Courts of coordinate jurisdiction over matters bearing same parties and subject matter,” the statement read.

    NJC Deputy Chairman of Council, Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, who chaired the meeting agreed with the recommendations of the Investigation Committee set up in September 2021.

    During the meeting, Hon. Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the High Court of Rivers State was barred from elevation to higher Bench for two years whenever he is due.

    Hon. Justice Nusirat I. Umar of the High Court of Kebbi State be barred from elevation to higher Bench for two years whenever due.

  • Three Judges To Face NJC Panel Over Conflicting Court Orders

    Three Judges To Face NJC Panel Over Conflicting Court Orders

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up a probe panel to investigate three High Court judges who issued conflicting ex-parte orders.

    According to the NJC, the judges are to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for their actions.

    The investigative committee was set up by the council, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Tanko Muhammad at its 95th meeting held on September 15 and 16 in line with the principles of fair hearing.

    Justice Muhammad, who expressed displeasure over the development, had threatened without mentioning names that three of the judges who issued the controversial orders would be made scapegoats.

    “We shall make an example with these three judges and never shall we condone such [an] act,” the CJN was quoted as saying in a statement issued by NJC spokesman, Soji Oye.

    Last week, Justice Muhammed held a marathon meeting with the six chief judges in the affected jurisdictions of Rivers, Kebbi, Cross River, Jigawa, Anambra, and Imo over the conflicting ex parte orders.

    He warned that the judiciary would no longer condone indiscipline or allow any judge to tarnish the image of the judiciary.

  • CJN to quiz six chief judges over conflicting ex parte orders

    CJN to quiz six chief judges over conflicting ex parte orders

    Anxiety and apprehension have gripped the judiciary in seven states as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council (CJN), Hon. Dr. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, is set to quiz them on Monday over conflicting court orders.

    Already, the CJN has demanded the records of proceedings in all the suits from which conflicting ex parte orders emanated.

    The chief judges of Rivers, Kebbi, Cross Rivers, Anambra, Jigawa and Imo states will be quizzed on the controversial conflicting orders delivered in their various states.

    There are indications that the Chief Judge, Delta State High Court, has also been invited to join the other six chief judges to meet with the CJN on Monday.

    Reports gathered that the unprecedented move is to reset the anti-corruption efforts of the Tanko leadership and entrench a new culture of accountability in the judicial system.

    Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad is also likely to meet with the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association in the course of the week over the matter.

  • CJN Swears-In 18 Court Of Appeal Judges

    CJN Swears-In 18 Court Of Appeal Judges

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad on Monday swore in 18 judges to the Court of Appeal.

    Addressing the newly-sworn judges, Justice Tanko asked the judges to conduct their affairs within the ambit of the law and the oath of office administered on them.

    He reminded them that all eyes were on them and that they should avoid temptations, as their integrity was key.

    According to the CJN, there is nothing that is done in secret that will not see the light of day.

    He said the judges must give a good conduct of themselves, be fair and just, to justify their elevation to the position of Court of Appeal judges

    “Many high profile cases will definitely come to you on appeal,” the Chief Judge said. “They may likely come in company of some juicy, irresistible temptations, but I am making it bold and clear that you must flee from such disguised danger.

    “Your reputation and integrity must match and count enormously in your rise to honour and fame in life.

    “Keep your head above the murky waters of corruption, so that you can conveniently be counted among the very best in the Nigerian judiciary.”

  • Banditry: Gov Matawalle begs Judges for cooperation, Justice

    Banditry: Gov Matawalle begs Judges for cooperation, Justice

    The Zamfara State Executive Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has appealed to judges and magistrates handling banditry cases in the State to do justice with utmost sense of patriotism.

    Governor Matawalle said that there was no society where peace can reign without justice.

    He commended the state Legislative and Judicial arms for maintaining good working relationship with the executive, especially in the state government’s fight against banditry.

    The Governor made the commendation while hosting the two arms of government to a Ramadan fast break at his residence, in Gusau the State capital.

    He expressed satisfaction over the way the legislators and members of the judiciary support government policies and programmes, especially in the fight against armed banditry and other criminalities in the state.

    The Governor further stated that a lot of successes have been recorded by his administration as a result of their support and cooperation, especially over matters that have direct bearing on the people of the State.

    “Many laws were made by the State House of Assembly which have benefited citizens of the State, likewise, the judiciary has been working effectively,” he said.

    He appealed to the two bodies to sustain their position of patriotism and selfless service to move the state forward.

    The Governor told the judicial staff that his administration had already procured brand new vehicles that will be given to Magistrates and Shariah Court judges.

    Speaking on bahalf of the two arms of government, Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasiru Maazu Magarya, commended the Governor for cooperating with them on all matters of State for the purpose of having a united and developed Zamfara State.

    Magarya further noted that the legislature and judiciary in the state receive full support from the Executive arm under Governor Matawalle and without any interference.

    He assured of their continued support and cooperation to all government policies and programmes that will benefit the State, especially in the fight against banditry in the state.

    Magarya also thanked the governor for hosting them to the Ramadan fast break and prayed Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly.

    Those in attendance included the State Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu, Hon. Grand Khadi, Dahiru Mohammed, all members of the state House of Assembly, Justices of the state High Court, Khadis of the Shariah Court of appeal, Magistrates, and Shariah Court judges.

    They were received at the Governor’s residence by the State PDP chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Bello Maru, Head of Service, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Chief of Staff Government House, Col Bala Mande rtd, Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Bashir Mohammed Maru, Commissioners of Information and Special Duties, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara and Muhammadu Maiturare Saddiq, respectively, among others.

  • NJC Recommends Retirement Of Two Judges, Dismisses Petitions Against 18 Others

    NJC Recommends Retirement Of Two Judges, Dismisses Petitions Against 18 Others

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Grand Kadi, Shu’aibu A. Talba, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State and Justice Abdulkareem Babatunde Abdulrasaq of the Osun State High Court with immediate effect.

    The NJC has, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the Constitution, suspended both judicial officers from office pending the approval of the recommendation of their compulsory retirements by their respective governors.

    The council took the decion at its 93rd virtual meeting held on December 16, 2020, during which it rejected 18 petitions against 14 judges and equally recommended the appointment of 69 more.

    The spokesman of the NJC, Soji Oye, who made these public in a statement on Sunday, said the meeting also recommended the the promotion of 70 of the council.

    Talba, according to the statement, “was recommended for compulsory retirement following an investigation into a petition against him written by one Malam Zakar Adamu, Chairman, Movement for Justice in Nigeria, alleging that His Lordship falsified his age on two occasions, i.e. from 1st February, 1955 to 27th August, 1955 and later to 30th December, 1959.

    “Findings revealed that he was supposed to have retired on 1st February, 2020 by virtue of his declared date of birth of 1st February 1955.

    “Council, after deliberation, decided to recommend His Lordship’s compulsory retirement to Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

    “Furthermore, Council requested the Government of Yobe State to deduct all salaries received by His Lordship from 1st February, 2020 till date, from his gratuity, and remit same to the National Judicial Council that pays salaries of all Judicial Officers in the Federation.”

    The NJC recommended Abdulrasaq’s compulsory retired after considering a petition written against him by Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN) and found merit in his allegation Justice Abdulrasaq “falsified his date of birth from 3rd September, 1955 to 3rd September, 1957.

    “Council, therefore, recommended His Lordship’s compulsory retirement to Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State with effect from 3rd September, 2020. It also requested the Osun State Government to deduct from His Lordship gratuity, salaries received by him from 3rd September, 2020, and remit same to the National Judicial Council.”


    Those against whom petitions were dismissed include: Justices Simon A. Amobeda, Taiwo O. Taiwo, Nnamdi Dimgba and R. O. Dugbo Oghoghorie (of the Federal High Court); T. O. Uloho and Michael N. Obi (of the Delta State High Court), and G. M. Onyeabo ( of the Lagos State High Court).

    Others are: Justices A. I. Iyayi-Lamikanra ( Chief Judge, Rivers State), A. U. Kingsley-Chuku and Justice J. N. Ukpugwnum (of the River State High Court), F. B. Andetur (Chief Judge, Taraba State), Comfort C. Ani (Enugu State High Court), M. A. Pindiga (Gombe State High Court) and M. M. Umar (Kebbi State High Court).

    “Similarly, Council considered the Report of the Interview Committee and recommended the appointment of 69 Judicial Officers as Heads of Court, Judges of High Court of States, Kadis of States/FCT Sharia Courts of Appeal and Judges of the Customary Courts of Appeal.

    “In another development, Council also received and approved the Report of its Committee on Appointments, Promotion and Discipline which recommended the promotion of 70 members of Staff of the National Judicial Council.

    “The notifications of retirement of 12 judicial officers and notifications of death of three judges of Federal and State Courts were also received and noted by council.”