By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
The outgoing President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, (SAN) has called on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, to include Magistrates within the definition of Judicial Officers, in in the process of the ongoing Constitutional review.
Maikyau made the appeal on Wednesday, in a statement on the signing into law of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu on August 9.
The NBA President noted that Magistrates across the country are responsible for the handling of most criminal matters at the lower level of the society.
Therefore, Maikyau stated that the institution of the magistracy across the States need to be strengthened and better funded, to help improve grassroot justice delivery and curb the menace of criminal activities in the society.
“Also, other Judiciary staff; Registrars, Legal Assistants and other court workers, must similarly be catered for, if the improvement of the welfare of Justices and Judges is to make any meaningful impact on the overall justice delivery process in the courts.
“So, the advocacy continues, but for now, we appreciate the achievements thus far as we brace up to do more work so as to attain a holistic improvement of the welfare of all court workers” the NBA President said.
“The review of judicial remuneration is by no means the end of our advocacy for judicial reform.
“I dare say that this is only the beginning. Going forward, the focus of the NBA will be on identifying and responding to issues that are fundamental to the continued strengthening of the Judiciary. These include matters of appointment, discipline and elevation of judicial officers.
“The need to strengthen judicial oversight bodies is no less important. I am confident that these are issues my successor in office will prioritize. All these are a major part of the recommendations from the Justice Sector Reform Summit, and I call on stakeholders to put all hands on deck to ensure the implementation of the said recommendations, Maikyau stated.
He therefore called on the Judiciary to justify the improvement in their remuneration, adding that there must be a deliberate and conscious effort to work back into the hearts of Nigenans and revive public confidence in the Judiciary.
Meanwhile, the NBA President, applauded President Tinubu, and the National Assembly for increasing the salaries of Judges.
“We, therefore, congratulate the Nigerian Judiciary and the entire legal profession, on the coming into effect of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, by the assent of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on 9 August 2024.
“This is a historic and truly remarkable achievement, seeing as previous successive administrations have repeatedly neglected the Judiciary.
“The last time the salaries and allowances of Judicial officers were reviewed was in the year 2007.
“It is also a landmark achievement for the tenure of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as Chief Justice of Nigeria, who shall exit office on 22 August 2024.
“To the Glory of God Almighty, I, too, have the privilege of sharing in this, as I exit office as the 31st President of the Nigerian Bar Association, seven days later, on 29 August 2024.
“We must appreciate the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for their cooperation in expediting action on the Bill” Maikyau said.
According to the outgoing NBA President, “The support and contribution by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, in getting the Bill passed into Law is invaluable.
“The Legal Profession is blessed to have an HAGF in Prince Fagbemi, SAN, who has demonstrated genuine passion for the reform of the justice sector and the improvement of the independence and
welfare of judicial office holders, for the good of the people.
“This passion found alignment with the willingness of President Tinubu, GCFR, leading to his assent to the Bill passed by the National Assembly. END.
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