Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
In the run-up to the 2023 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari urged the judiciary to remain neutral in resolving election-related cases.
He spoke at the commissioning of the Body of Benchers (BoB) complex in Abuja.
“As the 2023 general elections approach, the importance of the legal profession grows in light of the critical roles you play in the electioneering process, both before and after the election.”
“I hope you keep your position as an impartial arbiter,” Buhari said.
The President, who renewed his commitment to the improvement of judges’ welfare, urged them to always ensure justice.
He said: “A society where justice thrives can be assured of development. For Nigeria to effectively embrace sustainable development, institutions such as the legal profession must remain deeply committed to promoting good governance.”
The President hailed BoB Chairman Wole Olanipekun (SAN) for his commitment to ensuring that judges’ condition of service was improved.
The President said: “I recall that on the 28th July 2022 when I played host to the leadership of the Body of Benchers, its Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was very emphatic in making a case for the welfare of judicial officers in the country.
“I am not unaware of the passion and commitment of Chief Olanipekun in championing the cause of the welfare of judicial officers in Nigeria, as well as the commitment of the Body on this matter.
“May I restate my commitment towards this ideal. In a similar vein, I have been intimated of the engagement of consultants by the Body, through its Judiciary Advisory Committee, to amongst other things, come up with a peer review of the conditions of service of judicial officers in Nigeria with other countries and jurisdictions, within and outside Africa.
“I earnestly look forward to the completion of this peer review and the submission of recommendations, as this will assist us to review the welfare packages.”
Buhari commended the BoB leadership and members for the successful completion of the complex.
Olanipekun called for a more virile and independent Judiciary, noting that the Constitution thrives on the doctrine of separation of powers.
He expressed concern over the incessant complaints of poor conditions of service by judges across the country, noting that as part of efforts to address the challenge, the BoB set up a standing committee known as the Body of Benchers Judiciary Advisory Committee to constantly interface with members of the Bench to take their concerns and frustrations up with the appropriate authorities.
He added that the committee is also saddled with “the task of comparing packages made available to judicial officers in other jurisdictions.”
Olanipekun said the BoB was working on the implementation of the report and recommendations of the 2018 Committee on the Review of Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service.
He explained that the complex consists of a 3,000-sitting capacity auditorium, a 240-sitting capacity meeting room, a 1,000-sitting capacity banquet hall, a 1,000-sitting capacity multipurpose hall, committee meeting room, offices for secretariat staff, library, and a courtroom for the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, amongst others.
He attributed the realisation of building complex to the foresight of 16 persons and commending two retired Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore and Justice Mahmud Mohammed.
Olanipekun, while commending the president for his assurance to improve judges’ welfare, said “may I publicly thank and commend Mr. President for his fast response to my address that a democratic government, standing on a tripod, cannot thrive where one is not properly taken care of.’’
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola described the building as “magnificent and befitting of the Body of Benchers.”
Ariwoola noted that the sacrifices of past Chairmen and Presidents of the Body of Benchers had eventually paid off.
He urged the Body to put the facility to good use, particularly in hosting the call-to-bar ceremonies.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, congratulated Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on his confirmation as CJN.
Malami said the legal profession needed to purge itself of charlatans, noting that “we cannot afford to lower the bar if we must retain family confidence.’’
He said the President had already made the improvement of judicial workers’ remuneration a priority, further demonstrating his love and respect for the legal profession.
