The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to improve on the welfare of the nation’s judicial officers.
The Nigerian president whose speech was read by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi on Monday, November 13, at the opening session of the all Nigerian judges conference of the superior courts, cautioned against undue criticism of the Judiciary particularly in relation to decision on political cases.
The President also advocated for the appointment of Justices of the appellate court from outside the bench.
The speech read;
“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.
“I am optimistic that the process will be concluded as soon as possible, making the Judiciary independent as I have done elsewhere. I assure you that it will be done here, just be a little patient.
“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.
“The Nigerian Judiciary has indeed evolved from the colonial days, through the rich history of contemporary worthy status today. While there may be misgivings here and there, we cannot begin to imagine what our country would have been subjected to if there was no Judiciary.
“I am proud of the accomplishment of our Judiciary in the cause of nation-building, both locally and on the global scene.
“Through a gamut of landmark judgments, the Judiciary has continued to maintain the cause of the rule of law in Nigeria and strengthens our democratic processes and institutions.
“I wish to observe that in the cause of demonstrating this commitment to the advancement of the rule of law and democracy, especially in political and electoral cases, the Judiciary has come under myopic criticism and attacks.
