The Council, in a statement yesterday, described the action of the affected states as worrisome and condemnable in all ramifications.
In the statement made available to newsmen at the end of the Council’s meeting, presided over by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, NJC asked the defaulting states to belt up in the discharge of their legal obligations on payment of retirement benefits to judicial officers.
The statement by NJC’s Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, reads in part: “NJC, under the chairmanship of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at its 100th Meeting, held on January 19, 2023, deliberated on the worrisome situation whereby many judicial officers of states are being owed their retirement benefits, including severance pay/gratuity and pensions.
“After due consideration, Council condemns in very strong terms this act, which is undermining the Rule of Law and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
“It, therefore, calls on the offending states to ensure that all entitlement of retired judges are fully settled forthwith.
“Council further directed State Chief Judges to file reports on compliance, to reach the Council not later than April 1, 2023.”
