Legal Updates

NBA President Condoles with CJN Over Supreme Court Fire Incident, Advocates for More Justices

Published

7 months ago

September 27, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Press Release:

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, extends heartfelt condolences to Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, his fellow Justices, and Supreme Court staff following the recent fire incident at the Supreme Court complex.

This unfortunate event, which affected the chambers of some Justices, raises concerns about the safety and integrity of court infrastructure in Nigeria. The NBA calls for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.

Moreover, the NBA strongly urges the prompt appointment of additional Justices to complete the Supreme Court bench, reaching the constitutionally mandated 21 Justices, as outlined in Section 230(1)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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This appeal was made by the NBA President during his address at the valedictory court session honouring Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie, CFR, JSC, held at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja. Mr. Maikyau expressed apprehension regarding reducing the number of Supreme Court Justices, leading to an increased workload for the already overworked and underpaid justices.

Condolences and Concerns:

Recognizing the need for constitutional amendments, the NBA President advocates for raising the threshold for Supreme Court Justice appointments and restricting the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to specific constitutional matters to reduce case overload.

ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, MR. YAKUBU CHONOKO MAIKYAU, OON, SAN, AT THE VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION IN HONOR OF RETIRED JUSTICE AMINA ADAMU AUGIE, CFR, JSC, JARUMAR KEBBI, ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2023 AT THE SUPREME COURT COMPLEX, ABUJA

In an update regarding the NBA’s engagement with the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) regarding judicial officers’ remuneration, Mr. Maikyau disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has instructed a presidential working group to harmonize recommendations from RMAFC, NBA, and NJC.

Judicial Remuneration:

This initiative aims to incorporate the outcomes into the 2024 budget appropriation. Additionally, the NBA proposes a set of new allowances tailored to the unique demands of judicial office holders, including Lifestyle Allowance, Dual Responsibility Allowance, Frequent Transfer Allowance, and Long Service Allowance. Mr. Maikyau emphasizes the importance of delinking judicial remuneration from that of the civil service to fortify judicial independence and assure judicial officers.

Call for More Justices:

Reflecting on the retired Justice Amina Augie, Mr. Maikyau lauds her as an exemplary jurist who embodies knowledge, integrity, and the demeanour expected of a judge. He highlights her role as a trailblazing Nigerian woman who challenged gender biases, broke barriers, and paved the way for more women to assume influential positions within the judiciary and other sectors.

Tribute to Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie:

Hon. Justice Amina Augie’s illustrious career spanned 35 years, from her early days in the magistracy to her distinguished service on the Supreme Court bench. She retired upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 70 on September 3, 2023.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal