Justice Taiwo says some governments don't care if Nigeria is in flames

A retired judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice Taiwo O Taiwo, yesterday, insisted that poor remuneration for retired justices is a problem, particularly for federal judges.

The retired judge, who revealed that his total pension as a retired justice is below N500,000, an amount inadequate to meet his needs in the current poor economy, added that “Federal judges are badly treated after retirement, compared to state judges. Lagos State has tried for retired judges. Lagos gives retired judges allowances for life, buys them cars, and sends them gifts as if they are in service. My take home every month is less than N500,000”.

Speaking during the 2023 Annual Lecture of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC) held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, under the theme; 'Birthing a new Nigeria: Role of the Judiciary, Security Agencies and the Media in a Democratic Society', the retired judge further noted that there is a symbiotic relationship between the judiciary and the press concerning information. 

In his words: “One makes sure that the constitutional provision for freedom of information is enforced, the other disseminates the information as the case may be.

“We owe a lot to journalists because the government at times have to read (the papers) and come to terms with what the people are thinking, and they can't get the people's feelings unless they read the papers and listen to the news. It is from there they will gauge the tempo.

“Unfortunately, in most cases, some governments don't care. Whether the tempo is high or whether the country is in flames, they don't care; they do what they want. History will judge everyone, including the governed and the government.”

The guest speaker, Mr Abiodun Olatunji (SAN), who delivered a paper on the theme, emphasized the importance of the Judiciary in a democracy.

The SAN identified several fundamental issues the government must resolve for the judiciary to become strong and independent.

The fundamental issues, according to the senior lawyer, included merit-based appointment of justices/judges, security of justices/judges' tenures, establishment/strengthening of state judicial councils, improved welfare of Judicial officers, sustenance of Judicial financial autonomy, while intimidation of judges must end.

Another SAN, Mr Adetunji Oyeyipo also made a case for strengthening the judiciary, noting that it was critical to a constitutional democracy.

“There can't be a democracy without the judiciary”, he said.

On his part, a former Editor of The Nation Newspaper, Mr Lekan Otunfodunrin, harped on the need for the Executive to understand the need for separation of powers, saying it is a key distinguishing factor between a democracy and a military regime.

Earlier in his welcome address, the NAJUC Chairman, Peter Fowoyo stressed the importance of key sectors to fulfil their constitutional roles in the interest of the country.

According to Fowoyo, "To birth a new Nigeria therefore, the judiciary, the security agencies and indeed the media must not only identify their roles and play it accordingly, they must also work together for the betterment of all Nigerians. 

“We thank the judiciary for the support given to us and the work they render to society. We believe that the third arm of government can do better in the dispensation of justice.

“To our security agencies, we wish to thank you all, not just for coming here today, but, also for your commitment to ensuring that our society is safe to live in. We dare say that you can do better if you work together as friends, not as foes.

“The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated that you must share intelligence gathering and work together as a team. This cannot be overemphasized”.

The event also features the installation of Mr Olatunji (SAN) as a patron of NAJUC and Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) as Grand Patron by Justice Taiwo.

Three NAJUC members – Joshua Morakinyo, Innocent Anaba, Wale Igbintade, Akeem Ishola and Ranti Thomas were also conferred with honorary awards for their contributions to the association.

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