The attorney general of the Federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami has filed a counter-affidavit to prevent an out-of-court settlement in a suit bothering on judges’ emoluments.
The action was instituted by a senior advocate of Nigeria, Sebastian Hon asking for an order of the court to compel the government to increase the judges’ emoluments.
The action is before the national industrial court and the respondents are the national assembly and the national judicial council.
The plaintiff, Sebastian Hon seems to have the backing of the NBA and senior lawyers as most of them including the NBA president, Olumide Akpata made an appearance in court.
Rather than the agreement to settle out of court, the attorney general filed a counter-affidavit to express his strong opposition to the suit.
The development has compelled the court to adjourn to June 28, 2022.
The salaries and emoluments of judges have become a matter of concern for lawyers prompting the legal action.
At the previous hearing, the national assembly asked for out of court settlement which prompted the adjournment to enable the parties meet.
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In the originating summons, the lawyers are asking the court to compel the defendants to increase the salaries and allowances of judges in the country as a result of the current economic reality.
The plaintiff noted that the highest-paid judicial officer in the country – the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) – currently earns about N3.4 million per annum, far below what is earned by his contemporary in other countries
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
