Strong Judiciary, Media Critical To Nigeria’s Survival, Say Judge, SANs

Some judicial and media experts have said that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive if critical institutions like the judiciary, media and security agencies are strong and free from political interference.

They also tasked President Bola Tinubu to build solid and well-funded institutions rather than rely on strong men as the hallmark of his administration.

These views were expressed by the experts at the 2023 Annual Lecture of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC), which has as its theme “Birthing a new Nigeria: Role of the Judiciary, Security Agencies and the Media in a Democratic Society”.

Those who spoke at the event included retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), Abiodun Olatunji (SAN) and a former Editor of The Nation newspaper, Lekan Otunfodunrin.

The guest speaker, Olatunji, who delivered a paper on the theme, emphasised the importance of the Judiciary in a democracy.

He identified several fundamental issues the government must resolve for the judiciary to become strong and independent.

These included the merit-based appointment of justices/judges, security of justices/judges’ tenures, establishment/strengthening of state judicial councils, improved welfare of Judicial officers, sustenance of Judicial financial autonomy, while intimidation if judges must end

Justice Taiwo agreed with him, stating that poor remuneration for retired justices is a problem, particularly for federal judges.

He revealed that his total pension as a retired justice is below N500,000, an amount inadequate to meet his needs in the current poor economy.

Justice Taiwo said: “Federal judges are badly treated after retirement, compared to state judges. Lagos State has tried for retired judges, Lagos gives retired judges allowances for life, buys them cars, and sends them gifts as if they’re in service.

“My take home every month is less than N500,000.”