Nine months after resignation, Buhari gov’t yet to pay ex-CJN Tanko N2.5 billion entitlements

The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has yet to pay the entitlements of the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

A report by Naija News said that this was coming nine months after his retirement from service in June 2022 as the 16th Chief Justice of the apex court due to undisclosed health challenges that he cited fir resigning.

According to another report by Daily Post, ex-CJN Tanko was expected to be paid the N2.5 billion severance package by the federal government.

Recall that the National Judicial Council (NJC) approved a gratuity of 300% of the CJN’s N3.38 million annual basic salary.

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This was about a 300% increase compared to what was paid to the previous CJNs after leaving office.

The federal government is also expected to construct a mansion in Abuja or any city they choose with a lump sum for furnishing.

However, nine months after resigning at the age of 69, less than a year before his mandatory retirement age, the ex-CJN Tanko, who is battling with an undisclosed ailment, has been shuttling between Kaduna and Abuja for medical attention without an idea when his entitlement would be paid.

This is despite the recommendation in the provisions of sections 291 (2) and (3a-c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2 of the Pensions Rights of Judges Act.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and two other extant laws, i.e., the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMFAC and the Pensions Rights of Judges Act, prioritize retired CJN’s welfare well enough for life, even at an initially rented apartment and an immediate financial package before getting a retirement home within six months.

Speaking on the delay in paying Tanko’s entitlements on Thursday, Reuben Atabo (SAN) expressed worry that nothing usually works in Nigeria.

Atabo told Daily Post: “The issue of entitlement of retired justices is lamentable. Has the late General Sani Abacha’s entitlement been paid since he died in 1999? There is no need for one to belabour himself over certain issues in Nigeria. If you advise the government on certain issues, they will not take them, they will do whatever they like.”

Taking a different position, human rights activist and lawyer, Godwin Sani Omagbogu said a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria getting his entitlement is a well-known issue in government circles backed by laws, and delay in payment may be an isolated issue, particularly as provisions would always be made in the national budget for settlement.

THE CONCLAVE reports that the delay in payment of Justice Tanko’s entitlements might be the reason he has yet to vacate the official quarters of the CJN in Abuja, making it imposdible for his successor Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to move in.

Justice Tanko’s children were reported as of last week to occupy the residence even as the Supreme Court continues to service the residence and the temporary residence where Justice Ariwoola lives pending take over of the official residence.