S’Court Justices accuse CJN of indifference to poor welfare conditions

14 Justices of the Supreme Court have written to Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, to protest the poor welfare conditions and the deplorable state of the apex court.

The Justices, in a letter, accused Muhammad of being indifferent to their plight.

They stated that Justices were in the past nominated to attend two to three foreign workshops and trainings per annum with an accompanying person, adding that since the assumption of Muhammad as the CJN, Justices only attended two workshops in Dubai and Zanzibar without the privilege of travelling with accompanying persons, which was the practice.

The Justices noted that the CJN totally ignored the demand and travelled abroad with his spouse, children and personal staff.

Other issues raised by the Supreme Court Justices include accommodation, healthcare, electricity tariff, vehicles, supply of diesel, internet services to justices’ residences, among others.

They said: “In the past justices were nominated to attend two to three foreign workshops and trainings per annum with an accompanying person for reasons of age.

“Since your lordship’s assumption of office justices only attended two workshops in Dubai and Zanzibar. They were not accorded the privilege of travelling with accompanying persons as was the practice.

“Your lordship totally ignored this demand and yet travelled with your spouse, children and personal staff.

“We demand to know what has become of our training funds, have they been diverted, or is it a plain denial?

“Your lordship may also remember that the national assembly has increased the budgetary allocation of the Judiciary. We find it strange that in spite of the upward review of our budgetary allocation, the Court cannot cater for our legitimate entitlements. This is unacceptable!

“The supreme court clinic has become a mere consulting clinic.

“Drugs are not available to treat minor ailments. There is a general lack of concern for justices who require immediate or emergency medical intervention,” the Justices stated.

The Supreme Court Justices further called on the CJN to take full responsibility as their leader, saying he must not concession his responsibility to “people who have no responsibility or stake in preserving and defending the dignity of the Institution”.

“It is either you quickly and swiftly take responsibility and address these burning issues or we will be compelled to further steps immediately. May this day never come,” they stated.

The Star