Ex-CJN, Tanko Muhammad, to get N2.5bn benefits

The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Muhammad, is expected to get a N2.5bn severance package from the Federal Government.

Muhammad’s resignation on health grounds was announced, on Monday, less than a week after 14 Supreme Court Justices accused him of financial malfeasance and maladministration.

Following the development, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, swore in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the next most senior Justice as the acting CJN.

As part of the package for the retired chief justice put together by the National Judicial Council, a mansion will be built for him in Abuja or any city of his choice with a lump sum for furniture.

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This is in addition to a gratuity that is 300 per cent of his annual basic salary of N3.36m as well as a pension for life, according to a report by The Punch newspapers

The National Judicial Commission had in 2019 recommended the payment of N2.5bn for Muhammad’s predecessor, Walter Onnoghen.

Former CJN, Alfa Belgore, was also reportedly paid about N2.8b after he retired from service.

Just like state governors, a retired chief justice is entitled to at least four domestic staff members and sundry allowances for personal upkeep.

This includes allowances for accommodation, utilities, entertainment, medical, security, furniture, and vehicles.

Though the remuneration and severance package of political, public and judicial officers were published on the website of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the full details of the allowances were not disclosed.

The former CJN would get the financial package based on the provisions of Section 291 (2) and (3a-c) of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 2 of the Pensions Rights of Judges Act.

A senior lawyer said Muhammad, being the head of the judiciary, would be well paid so that he would not have to work again for life.

“The severance package is as humongous as the one paid to former Senate President. He would also be a member of the Council of State,” he added.

Corroborating this, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who does not want to be quoted, stated, “His entitlements are enormous. He’s entitled to a house anywhere in Abuja, domestic staff, cars, salaries and allowances for life. Judges are being overworked because, by the time they retire at 70, they are not always looking young.”

A source in the NJC confirmed the severance package. He noted, “Honestly, his gratuity and pension will be intact, what he’s earning will continue. They will give him his official cars. He’s entitled to houses anywhere in the country. This is done by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. All of them are choosing Abuja, but I don’t know the amount he would be paid.”

RMFAC could not be reached for comment. Its outgoing chairman, Elias Mbam did not respond to calls and SMS seeking his comment on the severance package for retired CJN. (The Punch)