By Adeola Badru
FORMER Justice of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, Justice Peter Ige, yesterday, blamed the compromises and corrupt tendencies exhibited by Nigerian judges and justices in the adjudication and dispensation of justice on poor remuneration packages.
He, however, called on the Executive arm of government to improve the judiciary.
Speaking at a valedictory court session for his retirement and 70th birthday, at the Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ige said: “The present situation, as regards the welfare of judges and justices, calls for intervention. Salaries and allowances of judicial officers, judges and justices in Nigeria were last reviewed in 2007.
“At that time, the exchange rate was N117 to $1 as against N467 it is currently, clearly showing that salaries of judges and justices have been static over the years and even depreciating.”
Specifically, Ige said the basic annual take-home salaries of the Justices of the Supreme Court was N2.477 million, Court of Appeal justices get N1.995 million, while judges of the High Court receive N1.804 million.
He also disclosed that the pay package of Supreme Court justices amounted to N753,000 monthly, those of the Court of Appeal get N608,000 while High Court Judges receive N556,000 each.
The retired jurist equally called for decentralisation of the Supreme Court, which he said, would help to bring justice to the grassroots and for more effectiveness in the administration of justice.
He said there is nothing wrong if the apex court has divisions in the nation’s six geopolitical zones, like the Appeal Court.
Ige noted that the decentralisation of the Supreme Court would reduce its burden and enable it to deliver justice without delays.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described Justice Ige as a remarkable individual and legal icon who deserves to be celebrated.
The Appeal Court president said: “Justice Ige exemplified the virtue of fairness, integrity, diligence and deep commitment to upholding the principles of justice expected of a judicial officer.
“His contributions to the legal community extended beyond the courtroom as he shared his wealth of experience and knowledge through numerous paper presentations and legal consultations.
“Justice Ige’s willingness to impart wisdom and guide aspiring legal professionals had left an indelible impact on the next generation of lawyers.”