President Bola Tinubu is expected to open the 63rd Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja this weekend.
The decision to declare the event open followed an invitation extended to the President by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by Barrister Yakubu Maikyau, SAN.
Playing host to the delegation at the Presidential Villa on Friday, Tinubu pledged that his administration would conclude a thorough review of the remuneration templates of judicial officers in the country.
According to the President, the battle against corruption necessitates a comprehensive review of the salaries and allowances of judicial officers, an issue that is well known to him given his landmark success in reforming justice administration in Lagos State.
“We must deal with the review of remuneration if we truly want to fight corruption in the Judiciary. We will look at the cost as well as the consequences,” he said in response to a request by the NBA president.
President Tinubu equally acknowledged the importance of addressing the current vacancies within the Supreme Court, affirming that these vacancies represent obligations that must be fulfilled based on recommendations put forth by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“Majority of them are on holiday now, and when they return, we will take a look at what they have and fill the vacancies. It’s a fulfilment of an obligation,” he said.
President Tinubu went on to acknowledge his privilege of having numerous lawyers as close aides, including the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the State Chief of Protocol, Victor Adeleke, and his Principal Private Secretary, Prince Damilotun Aderemi.
In a brief remark, the NBA President lauded the President for appointing very distinguished members of the bar into his cabinet, including Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.