Judges must restore public trust, justify pay rise – NBA

The outgoing President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), has described as a “historic and truly remarkable achievement for Nigerian judiciary,” the recent signing into law of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024.

He, therefore, called on the judiciary to justify the recent improvements in their remuneration by working to regain public trust.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Maikyau said the passage of the law marked the first revision of judicial salaries and allowances since 2007.

The Act was signed by President Bola Tinubu on August 9, 2024, following extensive lobbying and advocacy by the NBA and other stakeholders in the justice sector.

“This is a historic and truly remarkable achievement, considering how previous successive administrations repeatedly neglected the judiciary,” Maikyau said.

He added that the law represented a significant step toward ensuring the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Maikyau highlighted the judiciary’s role in maintaining national stability, stressing the need for public confidence in the justice system.

“The survival of our nation rests squarely on the shoulders of the judiciary. High public confidence and respect for the judiciary are necessary for our peaceful co-existence, economic growth, development, and the prosperity of our people,” he said.

The NBA President also expressed his gratitude to the 10th National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef  Fagbemi (SAN), for their roles in expediting the bill’s passage.

He lauded Fagbemi for his “genuine passion for the reform of the justice sector and the improvement of the independence and welfare of judicial officeholders.”

Maikyau, however, said more work needed to be done to improve the justice sector in Nigeria.

He urged the national and state Houses of Assembly to include magistrates within the definition of judicial officers in the ongoing constitutional review.

“The institution of the magistracy across the states needs to be strengthened and better funded to help improve grassroots justice delivery and curb the menace of criminal activities in our society,” he said.

Maikyau also asked that the welfare of other judiciary staff, including registrars, legal assistants, and court workers, be prioritised to ensure meaningful improvements in the overall justice delivery process.

Reflecting on his tenure, which would end on August 29, 2024, Maikyau noted the achievements of the NBA in advocating for judicial reform, including the hosting of a justice sector summit in April 2024.

He praised the efforts of various stakeholders, including the NBA Judiciary Committee and the Federal Ministry of Justice, in pushing for these reforms.

As he prepares to step down as NBA President, Maikyau called on the judiciary to justify the recent improvements in their remuneration.

“There must be a deliberate and conscious effort to work back into the hearts of Nigerians and revive public confidence in the judiciary,” he stated.

Maikyau further expressed confidence in the ability of the incoming Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to lead the judiciary during this critical period.

“The task ahead is no doubt daunting, but I believe that God Almighty brought my Lord to steer the affairs of the judiciary for a time as this,” he said.