JUST IN: Pay Supreme Court justices N9m each monthly salary – Court orders

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, has ordered the Federal Government to begin immediate review of the salaries and allowances of judicial officers in Nigeria.

Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, who gave the order on Friday, held that the current salaries and allowances of judicial officers in the country are not only abysmally low but embarrassing.

The judge gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed against the Federal Government by Chief Sebastine Hon (SAN).

He ordered the Federal Government to commence a monthly payment of N10 million to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, N9 million to other Justices of the Supreme Court, N9 million to President of Court of Appeal.

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Also to benefit from the salary review are the Appeal Court justices, who would get N8 million; Chief Judges of both Federal and States High Courts, N8 million; while Judges of the Federal and States High Courts would receive N7 million.

Obaseki-Osaghae held that the refusal of the government to review the judicial officers’ salaries and allowances for 14 years was unconstitutional, unlawful and should be compelled to do the needful.

He regretted that it was unfortunate that justices and judges who are ministers in the temple of justice have become victims of injustice in the country.