A National Industrial Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Federal Government to set up machinery for an immediate review of judicial officers’ salaries and allowances in Nigeria.
The order was issued by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, who stated that the current salaries and allowances for judicial officers in the country are not only abysmally low but also embarrassing.
Chief Sebastine Hon gave the order while delivering judgement in a suit filed against the Federal Government by Justice Obaseki-Osaghae (SAN).
He directed the Federal Government to begin monthly payments of N10 million to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, N9 million to other Supreme Court Justices, and N9 million to the President of the Court of Appeal.
Also, other Justices of the Appellate Court would get N8 million; Chief Judges of both Federal and States High Courts (N8 million), while Judges of the Federal and States High Courts would receive N7 million.
The Judge held that the refusal of the government to review the judicial officers salaries and allowances for 14 years was unconstitutional, unlawful and should be compelled to do the needful.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae, lamented that it was unfortunate that justices and judges who are ministers in the temple of Justice have become victims of injustice in the country.