President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the abhorrent acts committed by kidnappers nationwide, emphasising the need to treat those responsible for these heinous crimes as terrorists.
The President announced the declaration during a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, on Tuesday.
The dinner was graced by a distinguished gathering of serving and retired judicial officers, including two former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.
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Emphasising the government’s determination to combat banditry, the President expressed his view that individuals who engage in the abduction of children are cowardly and lack the ability to confront the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu emphasised the need to view kidnappers as terrorists. “They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”
The President has made a commitment to implementing essential reforms that will enhance the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers, following a review of their salaries.
He acknowledged the significant responsibility carried by the judiciary, which often goes unrecognised. Their equipment and recordkeeping methods still need to be updated, and their progress towards improvement is moving at a sluggish pace.
”When you look at the career path of a judicial officer, they cannot practice the vocation for which they were trained after retirement.
”While the framers of the law may have their reasons, I perceive this differently and see this from a fair compensation angle that should benefit all.”
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the judiciary for their committed service to the nation, recognising their contribution in maintaining the integrity of the judicial branch of government.
“We will continue to support one another and bring Nigeria to that glorious dawn,” the president concluded.
The President was praised by the Chief Justice of Nigeria for hosting a Ramadan dinner for judicial officers, as well as for his dedication to judicial reforms and efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the country.
May you and your administration be blessed by the Lord. Allow your vessel to gracefully dock and moor. We will continue to offer our prayers for your administration as there are numerous positive developments in store for Nigerians,” he expressed.
Justice Ariwoola praised the administration for reaching a major milestone by appointing a complete set of 21 justices to the Supreme Court, which he considered to be an extraordinary accomplishment.
Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, expressed appreciation to the President for sending the executive bill to the National Assembly.
Emphasising the lack of progress in judges’ salaries and emoluments since 2007, Fagbemi praised the President for his boldness, resolve, and empathy in implementing decisive measures.
”It takes a man with a great heart, determination, and consideration to do what the President did. More than 300.3 percent increase has been given to the judges. The President has done his own part, never mind that the bill is still with the National Assembly.
”In my short stay as the Attorney-General, I have come to observe that anything that concerns the judiciary, you are very much interested in it, and I thank you for your abiding interest in the judiciary,” the Minister of Justice said.
