The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Thursday slammed state governments over the non-payment of retirement benefits including severance pay/gratuity and pensions.
The NJC said the “worrisome” action by the state governments contravened Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
The NJC, under the Chairmanship of the Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, stated this at its 100th Meeting held on January 19, 2023.
“After due consideration, Council condemns in very strong terms this act, which is undermining the Rule of Law and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999,” said the NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye.
“It therefore calls on the offending States to ensure that all entitlement of retired Judges are fully settled forthwith.
“Council further directed State Chief Judges to file reports on compliance, to reach the Council not later than 1 April 2023.”