Politics
Nigerians will suffer if judges are not well paid – CJN
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola has said Nigerians will continue to suffer from the nation’s judiciary system until salaries, allowances and official benefits of judges are increased.
The Chief Justice stated this on Monday at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary Human Rights and Legal Matters on “a bill to prescribe the salaries allowances and fringe benefits of judicial officers”.
“When judges are well compensated, yes, they do their best, but actually, as clearly demonstrated, the real interest that is being looked at is the interest of these citizens, because they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of a deprived judiciary”, the CJN said.
Mr. Ariwoola, while analysing salaries of Nigerian judges, equated it to a patient under intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital who needs a serious medical attention.
“Distinguished senators, in a nutshell, what we are saying is this. The situation of judges across Nigeria is like one on a critical condition in the ICU
“The schedule to the bill would stabilize the patient. The one captain in the appropriation door would have him moved from the ICU to the general ward. When a patient is in that condition, you don’t start physiotherapy at the ICU.
“You make sure he is stabilized, move to the general ward, gain some strength, and then you now look at physiotherapy and all other therapists. And that is the nutshell of our presentation to distinguished senators as we have already exhibited.
“Do quickly move the patient out of the ICU to the general ward and then we will come. In fact, our starting point will now be a reference to the chairman’s very own observation. But for now, let’s stabilize the patient, move him out of ICU and then we can talk about the rest later.
The CJN was represented by Hon Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge of Borno State.
The salaries were last reviewed in the year 2007. It has been 17 years earning the same amount despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power, while other sectors have theirs reviewed several times over the period.
Judicial officers as have been in silence.
As a simple illustration, the exchange rate of the US dollar was 130.25 as at the time the salary was fixed in 2007 and this exchange rate can be found at page eleven of the June 2009 Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission review report that is the source of the exchange rate as of the time it was fixed.
Therefore, as of 2007, when the salaries were fixed. For example, Ajali’s monthly gross pay before tax 661,738 divided by 130.25 equal to $5,080. Today, divided by just 1500, it is $441.
A salary of $5,080 has now dwindled to $441 only when it was fixed. In today’s terms, the value is equal to 7,000,600 2789.
This is what judges across that area have been enjoying. The bill on the floor prescribes N3 million, when it should be N7.6m.
However, he said “by the historic instrumentality of the 10th National Assembly and the noted and unequalled disposition of Mr. President to enhance the administration of justice, the current appropriation law captures an anticipated equivalent of the above example at a gross monthly salary of N3.2m. The table captured in the appropriation law are attached herewith as our proposed replacement for the schedule to rebel on the floor.
Now, notwithstanding, the foregoing, we note with profound appreciation to the RMAFC that the bill on the floor is still structurally and conceptually a marked improvement that foretells a future of fair and just compensation for judicial work in this country.
Great effort was manifestly made to move from generic public officer compensation principles to include an acknowledgement of the peculiarities of the judicial office that impel compensation.
Therefore, he noted that even the appropriated salary package is less than half the value of the salaries that were fixed in the year 2007.
“The one in the bill on the floor is lesser still; judges across Nigeria endured 17 years of depreciation and consequent deprivation.
According to him, their prayers are that the 10th National Assembly passed the bill with the herewith attached terms reflecting the appropriation law which was passed by the instrumentality of the House and the Senate itself and with the conquerors and instruction of Mr. President that that be reflected as the increase for the judicial office as a replacement to the schedule to the bill.
Secondly, that the National Assembly continue to extend its irreplaceable support to addressing some still subsisting issues on the subject. And I’m glad when the chairman of this committee finished his prepared speech, he already raised one observation and these are some of the issues that are still subsidizing.
He said they were not talking out of vacuum with concern as it was very easy for the chairman to see that “there are more gaps too, which we refrain from raising now in order to allow for the expeditious grant of the above prayer, because judges across the length and breadth of Nigeria are expectantly enduring the pain on a daily basis and it is not wise to deal”.
In this presentation, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) said the efforts to improve the remuneration of our judicial officers has a chequered history.
However, he said sometime in July 2023 the National Judicial Council forwarded a Proposed Review of Consolidated Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Officers for consideration by the President adding that the NJC proposal was a revision of the remuneration package earlier proposed by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which was not consummated before the end of the previous administration.
Fagbemi said “the instant NJC proposal for a 300% increase was informed by: prevailing economic realities of increasing headline and core inflationary trends. putting in place an enabling working environment that engenders professional development and efficiency for judicial officers.
He expressed the readiness of President Bola Tinubu over matters of improving welfare and standards in the judiciary, promoting capacity, independence and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, which informed his recommendation of the NJC proposal for the President’s consideration on 19th October 2023.
“On 20th October 2023, the President granted an unprecedented approval of a 300% increment in the remuneration of judicial officers. Consequently, the President directed RMAFC to review its previous May 2023 recommendation to reflect the NJC proposal.
“This culminated in the present Executive Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly in furtherance of a cardinal part of the President’s Renewed Hope for a Better Nigeria which is deepening Judicial Reforms to promote sustainable socio-economic growth.
“I wish to remark that the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) BILL 2024 is quite innovative, aside the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognizance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.
“This Bill will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity”, Fagbemi said.
However, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun said the present government is making attempt and an initiative to improve the lot of the judiciary.
He said he was very pleased to have been part of this of the efforts and concurred with the Attorney General as he cannot but follow him since he is the authority in government law.
“I cannot but follow him in commending this bill and requesting its swift passage to the benefit of the judiciary in particular and Nigerians in general”.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Tahir Monguno in his welcome address said it is their responsibility to ensure that the Nigerian Judiciary is equipped with the resources and support it needs to function effectively and efficiently, adding that by increasing the salaries and allowances of Judicial officers, we would be demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the independence and integrity of the Judiciary, and sending a clear message that we value their vital role in our democratic system”.
According to him, if the bill is passed, it will not only improve the living standards of our judicial officers, but also enhance the overall quality of the Justice system, boost public confidence, and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of our nation.
He said the “Nigerian Judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights and freedom of our citizens, and ensuring the proper administration of justice in our country. However, the current remuneration and welfare package for judicial officers has not kept pace with the rising cost of living and the increasing complexity of their responsibilities”, he concluded.
Source: Newsdiary
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Comrade Ini Ememobong, has resigned his appointment as a member of Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet over political differences.
Governor Eno had earlier on Friday announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to connect Akwa Ibom to the government at the centre, among others reasons.
But, his appointee Ememobong, who also doubled as the Commissioner for the Ibom Deep Sea Port Project, quit his role in the State government, saying he couldn’t follow his principal to his new political party as a matter of principle.
Taking to his Facebook page shortly after the governor’s announcement of his defection, the erstwhile Commissioner said he had also complied with Governor Eno’s directive to his aides who won’t follow to APC to quit, calling his own decision to quit as ‘another bend’.
Ememobong wrote: “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.
“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors. This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries(Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.
“About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.
“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.
“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.
“As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to lose its state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since the formation of the ruling party.
The APC has not hidden the desire to take over more states through defections of governors ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest to join the train of PDP governors to join the ruling APC is Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state.
Governor Umo Eno officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, June 6, 2025
The Akwa Ibom is not the first PDP governor to have dumped the party for the ruling party since the emergence of the APC .
The article compiled the list of all the PDP governors who dumped the party and defected to the ruling APC .
Eno hinged his reason for defection on the critical admiration for President Tinubu’s leadership and what he described as “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.
List of PDP governors who defected to APC
As reported by The Nation, below are the PDP governors who dumped the party for APC.
Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State)
Governor Umo Eno is the latest PDP governor to have dumped the main opposition party for the APC. Eno is the first Akwa Ibom State governor to defect to another party. The governor’s defection could significantly alter the south-south state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of a core PDP state since 1999 defected to the APC after months of defection rumours.
Oborevwori’s defection marks a significant political shift in Delta state.
Dave Umahi (Ebonyi State)
The current minister of work, Dave Umahi defected to APC in November 2020 during his second term as Ebonyi state Governor.
Umahi accused the PDP of marginalising the Southeast region and praised APC’s infrastructure focus under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ben Ayade (Cross River State)
Governor Ayade of Cross River State defected from the PDP to APC in May 2021. Ayade claimed he wants to align Cross River state with the federal government to attract more development projects.
Bello Matawalle (Zamfara State)
Another PD governor to dump the party for APC was Bello Matawalle in June 2021. The minister of state for defence defected to the APC as Zamfara state governor to maintain stability and control of the state.
Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State)
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state defected to APC in 2014 with Bukola Saraki during the formation of the ruling party.
He later returned to the PDP but lost the north-central state to the ruling party in the 2019 elections.
Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto State)
Governor Aliyu Wamakko joined the APC in 2014. He was among the early defectors whose moves helped shape the APC’s victory in the 2015 general elections.
Suspended Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara is facing fresh obstacles towards his return as the state governor following the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu a few months ago.
Despite all indications that both FCT minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara have reached a dialogue with the intervention of President Tinubu to end the crisis in the state.
Fresh details have emerged from disgruntled supporters of Wike, insisting that Fubara’s return should come with certain conditions in order to end the political crisis in Rivers State.
According to a source within Pro-Wike’s camp who spoke on the condition of anonymity revealed that the suspended governor should not be given a second chance due to the damages he caused in the state, and his return should be on total restrictions under certain conditions.
“We are not aware of the peace talks until we meet the president. I would like to commend the President for being the father figure, and we appreciate his efforts so far, but in truth, Fubara does not deserve to be Rivers’ governor again. He has caused lots of damage in the state, and based on this, we shall demand certain things before we can accept him bac,k and that would be disclosed in the meeting with the President,” said the source.
On March 18, 2025, the President proclaimed the emergency rule in Rivers and suspended Fubara, his deputy,y and lawmakers in the state for six months in the first instance.
He also appointed Ibas as sole administrator to govern the state during the emergency, as approved by the National Assembly.
The suspension followed more than 18 months of political upheaval in the state, driven by a supremacy conflict between Fubara on one hand and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers.
Tension has begin to heats up among the leaders of coalition due to the choice of presidential candidate to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming election in 2027.
ThePaper.ng reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other coalition leaders recently met to gain the support of certain northern leaders in their effort to defeat President Bola Tinubu.
The meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was held behind closed doors last Sunday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Various reports indicated that Atiku has been the principal of coalition in order to be the sole presidential candidate to contest against Tinubu again in 2027 but there seems to increasing trouble in the camp of former Vice President as ex-chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salifu Lukman, stated that the coalition mobilizing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will prioritize fairness in its selection of a presidential candidate.
The former All Progressives’ Vice President from the North stated that the coalition acknowledges the significant issue regarding the South’s turn to produce a presidential candidate, and the coalition will consider that.
Sources among the coalition leaders have revealed to ThePapers.ng that they have received intelligence that some APC machineries are still within the coalition with intentions to disrupt any positive agender by the leaders and invent crisis.
“We are very vigilant and attentive, we know there are some APC moles among us but they will not succeed. I can tell you that this coalition will work and the purpose would be achieved,” the source revealed.
“We are beginning to identify some machineries and we will disgrace them out of our plans.”
Another source revealed that APC are sponsoring some people to cause crisis among the leaders with intention not to have United decision.
“Of course some zonal leaders are beginning to be grumbling on who should be the presidential candidate but we don’t need to argue over that, all we want is to defeat Tinubu in 2027 irrespective of the candidate as long as there are agreements for succession,” said the source.
On March 20, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others in Abuja announced the formation of a coalition aimed at challenging President Boka Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The announcement sparked widespread debate about the prospects of opposition unity, with political stakeholders expressing varied opinions.
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed resolve to continue serving the state, citing the support of the people as his source of strength and motivation to forge ahead.
Fubara urged those still burdened by the state’s recent political turbulence to lay down their grievances and unite for the collective goal of rebuilding Rivers State.
Despite the ongoing political challenges, the governor said he remains determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more results-driven.
The embattled governor made these declarations in a personally signed statement marking what would have been the second anniversary of his tenure.
Fubara, who was sworn in on May 29, 2023, titled his statement: “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful.”
The statement, released on Thursday morning, was shared with journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
“Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections.
“Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved state,” he stated.
Reflecting on the political developments over the past two years, Fubara emphasised his commitment to the state.
“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained focused, guided by the oath I took and my solemn promise to always put Rivers State first.
“I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken,” he said.
While acknowledging the setbacks posed by political crises, Fubara highlighted the strides made during his administration.
“Despite daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved—modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance,” he added.
He attributed these accomplishments to the support and resilience of Rivers people.
Fubara’s statement further read, “For your sacrifices, contributions, and roles played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.
“Your support has emboldened me to press on, not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness.”
The suspended governor emphasized that unity and cooperation are critical to achieving transformational growth for the state, assuring residents that every decision made will prioritise their welfare and the state’s enduring prosperity.
“As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead.
“I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a state we can all be proud of—a Rivers State that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria,” he added.
Addressing those still holding onto the weight of the state’s political struggles, Fubara made an appeal.
“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you: let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now,” he said.
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