Editorial

For An Effective Supreme Court

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2024

The recent inauguration of 11 additional Justices to the Supreme Court, Nigeria’s highest judicial institution, presents a robust event in the judiciary. This action comes in the wake of a period the court was grappling with high workload pressure because of statutory retirements and unfortunate demise, resulting in the highest court running below its required capacity. However, the induction of the new Justices has brought transformation. The replenishment of the Bench restores the court’s strength to its estimated complement of 21 Justices, in line with the stipulations of the country’s constitution.
During the administration of the Oath of Office to the Justices, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, reiterated the essence of their role and the responsibility they carry. He emphasised the expectation for them to exhibit utmost integrity and fairness, akin to Caesar’s wife, in delivering justice impartially regardless of whose interests were at stake. According to him, they should see themselves as God’s representatives. Unfortunately, the 11 Justices were assuming their positions on the Supreme Court Bench during a period when the Nigerian judiciary, including the apex court, faces severe criticisms, resulting in widespread skepticism towards judges among the people.
Today, there is a lack of consensus regarding CJN Ariwoola’s assertion that Nigerian judges, across different levels, serve as representatives of God on earth and understand his expectations. While the CJN could have provided his guidance without invoking religious beliefs, he accurately pointed out the heightened scrutiny that the apex court will face, particularly from Nigerian politicians seeking to manipulate judicial outcomes. The legal community will also closely observe the newly appointed Justices, assessing how their promotion and the completion of the judicial panel at the apex court will impact the administration of justice and advance legal principles.
The main concern regarding the depletion of the apex court was the high number of cases on the docket, leading to over-congestion in the court and causing the Justices, who were already few in number, to be overworked. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad highlighted in his emotional farewell speech in October 2023 that the Justices were also underpaid and lacked resources. With the recent addition of 11 judges to the apex court, more cases can now be heard, leading to improved performance and efficiency. However, for this to be successful, the administrative processes at the Supreme Court must also be revamped and modernised.
We congratulate the new Justices on their appointment to a position that carries a sense of authority in their decisions while presiding over cases brought before them for adjudication. However, they must remember that their new role comes with great challenges, responsibilities, and heightened expectations, as the judiciary is often seen as the last resort for the common man.
This has become pertinent in light of the demand for justice by Nigerians, both ordinary citizens and those in positions of power, who feel let down by the decisions coming from the courts on various issues, especially those related to politics. Whether rightly or wrongly, there is a widespread belief that the respected institution of justice has been influenced by corruption; that greed and dishonesty have tarnished what was once a highly esteemed establishment that was respected by all.
Many well-meaning Nigerians have been vocal in their calls for the purification of the corrupt judiciary, especially the Supreme Court. It is widely believed that by ensuring a full complement of judges, a new era of swift justice can be ushered in, ultimately leading to the much-needed purification of the system. The hope is that with a reformed and efficient judiciary, the rule of law will be upheld, and justice will be served timely.
The judiciary in Nigeria is a reflection of the larger society, encompassing both the good and the bad. It must be recognised that Justices are human, with all the inherent flaws that come with being human. However, it is believed that through their training, sense of duty, and the discipline required for their roles, they should be able to rise above any shortcomings and fulfil their responsibilities to the public. It is expected that they will meet the presumptions of the people they serve.
From that perspective, and in view of the burden of duty they must discharge, we feel obligated to further contend that for the Justices to be able to, like the blind-folded lady, dispense justice without fear, favour or ill-will, there is the compelling urgency to make the judiciary a member of the tripod, truly independent, especially from the standpoint of funding. It deserves to get its allocation directly from the federation account devoid of the manipulative influence of any other arm of government. This is required if the nation must do away with the negative perceptions of who pays the piper dictates the tune.
Furthermore, the selection of the Chief Justice of the Federation or Chief Judge of a state should not be at the discretion of a single elected official, whether it be a governor or the President of the country. This tendency for one individual to have complete control over who holds these critical positions, often through manipulation and questionable deals, undermines the idea of a judiciary that is truly independent and able to withstand political pressure. Appointments to these offices should be made based on merit, integrity, and public scrutiny rather than political favouritism.
If judicial officers are diligent in carrying out their duties, they deserve to have comfortable working conditions. This means that they should not have to settle for the meager salaries they currently receive. The nation must ensure that we did not repeat the past where Supreme Court Justices had to protest against the poor working conditions they were subjected to. Corruption can be tempting, but with the right incentives and working environment, we can prevent it from taking hold. Justices need to be provided with better working conditions that do not compromise their rectitude.
Given that the Supreme Court has now been completely constituted, there should be no room for cases to drag on in their dockets. It is anticipated that a fully constituted Supreme Court will have all its courtrooms operational and the newly appointed Justices will enhance our legal system and assist the apex court in realising its maximum potential. Despite these recent appointments, more Justices of the apex court are approaching retirement and any resulting vacancies should be promptly filled without delays. With the court now at full capacity, we are optimistic about the future productivity and efficiency of the Supreme Court.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.

What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.

According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?

In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.

We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.

The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.

Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.

Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.

Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.

This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government deserves commendation for the manner in which it conducted the last biometric exercise for pensioners in the state. For the first time in many years, the verification process was not only efficient but also humane, a development that has brought relief to a category of citizens that often bears the brunt of neglect.

Unlike previous verification exercises that left pensioners exhausted and unattended, the latest exercise set a refreshing precedent. Retirees were given proper and sumptuous meals, and in addition, the government paid the sum of N10,000 into their accounts to cushion their transportation costs. Such gestures go a long way in demonstrating that those who had laboured for the state are not forgotten in their twilight years.

The measure was particularly necessary given that some pensioners had to travel long distances to reach their verification centres. For elderly men and women, such journeys come with physical and financial strain. By recognising these realities and easing the burden, the government has shown that pensioners deserve dignity, not disdain.

Beyond this laudable act of consideration, the authorities must reflect on the very structure of pension verification. The era of compelling retirees to be physically present for routine verification should be reconsidered. With digital tools and innovation, the government can adopt systems that capture and confirm data without the stress of physical assembly. This is crucial for pensioners residing in other states or even abroad.

While we acknowledge the importance of verification in cleaning up pension records, we cannot ignore the darker side of the matter. It is regrettable that some allowances continue to be paid to deceased pensioners, with relatives fraudulently collecting the funds. The latest biometrics, thankfully, exposed some of these sharp practices. The exercise, therefore, is not only about order but also about justice.

We urge families of deceased pensioners to be patriotic enough to inform the government of the deaths of their loved ones. It is deeply shameful that in some instances, individuals attempted to impersonate late pensioners during the biometrics. Such behaviour undermines the spirit of honesty and deprives genuine retirees of their due entitlements.

The exercise also revealed another important area of concern: the health of pensioners. It is reassuring to learn that the state government has reportedly promised to take over the medical treatment of some retirees who arrived for the biometrics in critical condition. This is a step in the right direction. Elderly citizens, after years of service, should have access to special health care facilities in the state. Setting aside hospitals or designated centres for the aged is not just desirable but necessary.

While pension payments in Rivers State have remained consistent, attention must now be directed towards gratuities. Senior citizens deserve to receive their retirement benefits without the bureaucratic hitches that have often marred the process. After years of loyal service, nothing is more demoralising than to see retirees languish for want of their gratuities. Every worker, as Scripture reminds us, is worthy of his wage.

Retirement, in any civilised society, should not be reduced to a sentence of suffering. In dealing with pensioners, government must consistently wear a human face. The humane manner displayed during this verification exercise should not be a one-off. It must become the norm in all dealings with retirees. Measures must continually be put in place to ensure that they do not feel abandoned by the state they served.

One welcome innovation has already been introduced. The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has altered the method of gratuity payment. Pensioners now receive their monies directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the cheque-based system that for years served as fertile ground for corruption. This reform is both pragmatic and forward-looking. Similarly, the implementation of the N32,000 pension harmonisation is also commendable.

Direct payments gratuities ensure transparency and drastically reduce the possibility of diversion of funds. More importantly, they restore confidence in the system and assure pensioners that their entitlements will reach them without interference. In this way, the government has not only safeguarded the process but also upheld the principle of accountability.

Seamless gratuity payment has a ripple effect on the workforce as a whole. When workers are confident that retirement will not plunge them into hardship, the temptation to falsify age in order to remain in service is eliminated. Such reforms, therefore, enhance efficiency, honesty, and productivity in the public service.

In sum, the Rivers State Government has struck a refreshing chord in its handling of pension verification. It has shown empathy, innovation, and accountability. However, the momentum must be sustained, and the focus must shift towards modernising verification methods and prioritising retirees’ welfare in health, gratuity, and dignity.

When retirees are treated with compassion and fairness, the message to those still in service is clear: faithful service to the state will not go unrewarded. The humane verification exercise, though a single event, offers a hopeful glimpse of what governance can look like when people, especially the elderly, are placed at the heart of policy.