Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, is yet to receive his entitlements nine months after being forced out of office. The non-payment of his entitlements has raised concerns and drawn criticisms from legal experts, who have described the situation as violating his rights and privileges.
Muhammad, 69, was appointed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria in January 2019, following the suspension of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen. He was subsequently sworn in as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria in July 2019, but was forced to retire in January 2021, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Since resigning from office in a cloud of controversy, Muhammad has not received his retirement benefits and entitlements, including his pension and gratuity. The delay in payment has left the former Chief Justice in a precarious financial situation, and he has reportedly been struggling to make ends meet.
Upon Tanko’s resignation on “health grounds”, he was expected to be paid the sum of N2.5 billion severance package by the federal government.
According to Daily Post, as part of the severance packages for retired chief justices, the National Judicial Council, NJC, approved a gratuity of 300% of their N3.38 million annual basic salary. This was about 300% increase compared to what was paid to the previous CJNs after leaving office. The severance package of N2.5 billion is to be paid in addition to constructing a mansion in Abuja or any city of their choice with a lump sum for furnishing.
The reviewed package was approved by the NJC in 2019, and Justice Walter Onnoghen was the first beneficiary.
Legal experts have condemned the non-payment of Muhammad’s entitlements, stating that it is a violation of his rights and privileges as a former Chief Justice of Nigeria. They have called on the relevant authorities to address the situation and ensure that Muhammad receives his entitlements as soon as possible.
The non-payment of Muhammad’s entitlements has also raised concerns about the treatment of former public officials in Nigeria, and has highlighted the need for reforms to the country’s pension and retirement systems.
Many public officials have complained about the slow and inefficient process of receiving their entitlements and have called for reforms to be implemented to address these issues.
As the situation regarding Muhammad’s entitlements continues to unfold, many Nigerians are hoping that the relevant authorities will take swift action to ensure that the former Chief Justice receives his entitlements and can live a dignified life after serving his country for many years.
