President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a firm stance against kidnapping, equating it with terrorism and denouncing the actions of kidnappers as deplorable.
This strong statement was made at a Ramadan dinner attended by the Federal judiciary, including Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The President emphasized the government’s commitment to overcoming banditry and labeled kidnappers targeting children as cowards who avoid facing the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“We must view kidnappers through the same lens as terrorists. Their cowardice has been exposed. They target the vulnerable, abducting children from schools, sowing discord. We are determined to treat them as terrorists to eliminate this menace, and I assure you, they will be eradicated,” said the President, as reported by his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale.
The event was also graced by former Chief Justices Mahmud Mohammed and Walter Onnoghen.
Addressing the topic of judicial salaries, President Tinubu vowed to continue reforms enhancing the welfare and conditions for judicial officers, acknowledging the judiciary’s critical yet often underappreciated role.
“The judiciary bears a heavy yet underrecognized burden. The modernization of their equipment and record-keeping is overdue, and progress is slow. Considering the career limitations post-retirement, I believe in fair compensation for their service,” the President stated.
Expressing appreciation for the judiciary’s service, President Tinubu pledged ongoing support to advance Nigeria’s progress.
Chief Justice Ariwoola praised the President for his hospitality during Ramadan and his dedication to judicial reform and officer welfare.
“May divine blessings be upon your leadership; may your governance conclude successfully. We will keep praying for your administration, as it promises many benefits for Nigerians,” he remarked.
Justice Ariwoola also lauded the administration for appointing a full bench of 21 justices to the Supreme Court, an unparalleled achievement.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi thanked the President for proposing the “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly, addressing the long-standing issue of stagnant judicial compensation since 2007 and praising the President’s resolve to enact change.
Fagbemi said: “It takes a man with a great heart, determination, and consideration to do what the President did. More than 300.3 percent increase has been given to the judges. The President has done his own part, never mind that the bill is still with the National Assembly.
“In my short stay as the Attorney-General, I have come to observe that anything that concerns the judiciary, you are very much interested in it, and I thank you for your abiding interest in the judiciary.”
