Lawmakers Seek More Funds, Welfare For Judiciary In Cross River

The House Committee on Judiciary in the House of Representatives has emphasized the need for better emoluments and welfare for the judiciary across the country.

The Lawmakers, led by the chairman of the committee, Mr Oluwole Oke, made the call during a courtesy visit to the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, in Calabar, the state capital.

Mr Oke, in a remark, said that the House Committee on Judiciary was on a visit to Cross River for oversight functions such as inspection of federal judicial infrastructures and holding interactive sessions with staff and personnel of the courts.

Oke, while highlighting the challenges faced by the judiciary, stated, “A lot of problems confront the judiciary. Our lords, justices, and judges do not have a living wage. The last time their salary was increased was in 2007. Each judge is entitled to a new car every four years, but some judges have spent nine years with dilapidated vehicles and live in deplorable conditions.”

He reiterated the lawmakers’ commitment to guarantee better funding and improved welfare for the judiciary.

Tackling challenges

Responding, the Cross River State governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, expressed appreciation to the legislators for their remarkable efforts and achievements in advancing better welfare and funding for the judiciary.

A statement by the Special Adviser of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Linus Obogo, acknowledged the role of the judiciary and the challenges bedevilling the officers while discharging their duties.

The governor’s statement read in part: “It is true that the judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for the common man. It is unfortunate that challenges confronting our economy have been quite disturbing.

“It has affected almost every sector, but it is a bit sensitive for the judiciary because it (the judiciary) presides over every judgement, and it is difficult for you and the person you are passing judgment on to cohabit in the same environment”, Otu Asid says.

The governor commended the committee’s efforts in securing more funding for the judiciary and advocating for the welfare of justices, judges, and judiciary staff.

The governor also said, “We are very happy with the job that you are doing in ensuring the increase from ₦150 billion to over ₦300 billion for the judiciary in the 2024 budget. Here in Cross River, we are doing our best, although we are faced with heavy financial difficulties. But we are ensuring judicial personnel get their place of respect in society.”

The governor implored the lawmakers to champion the course of the judiciary to the Nigerian government for prompt response.

Culled from VON