The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice lbrahim Tanko Muhammad, yesterday, responded to complaints of alleged incompetence, poor welfare and degenerating state of the court, by Justices of the Supreme Court.
Recall that the 14 Justices, in a letter addressed to the CJN, had questioned his commitment and loyalty to the Judiciary. They complained that under the leadership of Justice Muhammad they have been denied the welfare package they are entitled to, even when the package was captured in the apex court’s budgetary allocation.
They also said it was becoming practically impossible for them to discharge their jobs, as a result of obstacles like dilapidated vehicles; accommodation problems; lack of drugs at the Supreme Court clinic; epileptic electricity supply to the Supreme Court; increase in electricity tariffs; lack of internet services in residences and chambers non-signing of amended Rules of Court for almost three years; sudden stoppage of two to three foreign workshops and training per annum for Justices; and no provision of qualified legal assistants.
However, CJN Muhammad, in a statement issued yesterday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, titled: “Re: State Of Affairs In The Supreme Court And Demand By Justices Of The Supreme Court”, dismissed the claims of hostility among the Justices.
The CJN cautioned that the current state of affairs at the Supreme Court does not warrant dancing naked in the market square.
While acknowledging receipt of a letter written and addressed to him by his brother Justices, the CJN however assured the public that there is no hostilities nor ill-feelings among them.
He said he held a meeting with his brother Justices last Thursday, on the issues raised in their letter, adding he would hold another meeting with them later this week.
“The general public should be rest assured that there’s no hostility or adverse feelings amongst the Justices of the Supreme Court, as everyone is going about his normal duty”, the statement added.
