The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has counseled judges not to continue working to the point of demise but to retire if they find themselves unable to perform effectively on the bench.
Report state that Alogba offered this advice during the public presentation of a book authored by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), held in Ikeja on Wednesday.
The book, titled ‘The Supreme Court of Nigeria: History, Establishment, Jurists, and Speeches,’ was co-authored by Mr. Abdulrasheed Ibrahim.
Alogba emphasized that judges should consider retiring from the bench, especially if their health is compromised. He added that, irrespective of the retirement age, judges should be able to enjoy the rewards of their dedication.
Report state that Alogba offered this advice during the public presentation of a book authored by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), held in Ikeja on Wednesday.
The book, titled ‘The Supreme Court of Nigeria: History, Establishment, Jurists, and Speeches,’ was co-authored by Mr. Abdulrasheed Ibrahim.
Alogba emphasized that judges should consider retiring from the bench, especially if their health is compromised. He added that, irrespective of the retirement age, judges should be able to enjoy the rewards of their dedication.
He said: “When it comes to a time until death do you and service part, I do not agre
“You must assess yourself when you are tired, do not wait, please go home and rest.”
“There is nothing you want to do again which you could not have done on the bench before you got to the stage of being tired if you are really interested in the work.”
“You do not need to die and have a valedictory for you, so retire if you are no longer in good health.”
The chief judge expressed that the decision regarding retirement age is a personal matter.
He emphasized that good health is a blessing from God, and judges should consider retiring when they no longer enjoy it.
Despite acknowledging that retirement benefits may be modest, he doubted that any judge with substantial prior legal experience would face financial hardship in their retirement.”
“Ostentation apart, but to live a simple, quiet, and reasonably comfortable life, any judge who has spent 10 to 15 years on the bench, should be able to do that.”
“So why do you want to kill yourself on the job and then people will just collect your benefit after you have died?”
“The law has spoken; speak for yourself and assess if you are mentally and physically capable of going on with the work, but if your answer is no, go back home,” the chief judge said.