CJN wants higher pay for judges, warns lawyers against misconduct

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, has called for an increased salary for judges to enable them to discharge their constitutional duties creditably.

He spoke in Abuja at the special court session marking the official commencement of the Supreme Court’s 2020/2021 legal year and the inauguration of 72 new Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The CJN, who was represented by the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, also warned against disrespect of court orders.

He said, “The welfare of judicial officers is another critical issue that we can’t afford to sweep under the carpet. The paltry sum of money being collected as monthly salaries is an issue that needs urgent redress.

“The annual budget has been on a steady decline; and that has adversely affected the state of infrastructure in our courts.”

The Chief Justice warned against professional misconduct by lawyers, saying that they could be sanctioned.

He said, “Obedience of lawful court orders has no alternative in any sane society. A threat to this is simply a call for anarchy. I believe strongly that there is no right thinking citizen of this country, who will tread that path of infamy.

“We must respect and duly observe all the tenets of an enduring democracy. Nigeria is not a lawless society and no one, irrespective of his or her status, should turn it into one.

“Most times, some persons who, by sheer stroke of providence, find themselves in position of authority, flagrantly disobey lawful court orders, and even make a boast of it.

“Such acts will henceforth not be condoned. In fact, they will be met with severe consequences. We must extinguish such raging fire before it consumes us. Some people have now found pleasure in invading courtrooms and even assaulting judges.

“The correctional centres are not there for decoration, such literally incorrigible and obstinate elements in our midst must be tutored in those centres to deter the several others eagerly waiting in the queue to embark on such inglorious expedition. The court will not only bark but will bite harder and deeper too.

Justice Muhammad, who described this year as an unusual year, particularly with the disruptive effective of the coronavirus, noted that the Supreme Court did not do badly.

He noted that 908 cases, comprising of motions and appeals were filed in the court during the last legal year, out of which it heard 497 civil cases, 168 criminal case and 35 political, totaling 700 motions.

“In the same vein, the court considered a total number of 208 appeals, being 134 civil, 52 criminal and 22 political. In all, a total number of 189 judgments were given within the legal year under review,” he said.

The CJN urged lawyers to always observe court rules and conduct themselves as true professionals and with dignity.

“Apart from the mode of dressing, which I have occasionally complained about, the conduct of some of them within and outside the courtrooms calls for serious concern.

“Some have turned the court premises to press interview centres where they cast all manner of aspersions on judicial officers, especially when judgments do not favour them.

“Henceforth, severe sanctions will be meted out on them; therefore, they should always show the ability and capacity to counsel clients well.”