The House Committee on Judiciary in the House of Representatives has called for better emoluments and welfare for the judiciary across the country.
The Legislators, led by the Chairman of the committee, Mr Oluwole Oke, made the call during a courtesy visit on the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu in Calabar, the capital of the state.
Mr Oke said that the House Committee on Judiciary was on a visit to Cross River for oversight functions such as inspection of federal judicial infrastructures and holding interactive sessions with staff and personnels of the courts.
Oke, while highlighting the challenges faced by the judiciary stated, “A lot of problems confront the judiciary. Our lord justices and judges do not have a living wage.
“The last time their salary was increased was in 2007. Each judge is entitled to a new car every four years, but some judges have spent 9 years with dilapidated vehicles, and live in deplorable conditions.”
He reiterated the lawmakers commitment to guarantee better funding and improved welfare for the judiciary.
Tackling challenges
Responding, the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu expressed appreciation to the legislators for the remarkable efforts and achievement in advancing the better welfare and funding for the judiciary.
A statement by the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Linus Obogo acknowledged the role of the judiciary and the challenges bedeviling the officers while discharging their duties.
The statement by the Governor read in part that “It is true that the judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for the common man. It is unfortunate that challenges confronting our economy has been quite disturbing.
“It has affected almost every sector, but why it is a bit sensitive for judiciary is because it (judiciary) presides over every judgement; and it is difficult for you and the person you are passing judgement on to cohabit in the same environment.”
Governor Otu commended the efforts of the committee in securing more funding for the judiciary and advocating for the welfare of justices, judges and judiciary staff.
The Governor also said that “We are very happy with the job that you are doing in ensuring the increase from ₦150 billion to over ₦300 billion for the judiciary in the 2024 budget. Here in Cross River, we are doing our best although we are faced with heavy financial difficulties. But we are ensuring judicial personnel get their place of respect in the society.”
The Governor implored the lawmakers to champion the course of the judiciary to the Nigerian government for prompt response.
VON