Former CJN Muhamamd To Recieve N2.5bn Benefits, Sundry Allowances

The Federal Government is reportedly set to pay the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, a N2.5bn severance package.

The government, as part of the severance package, will build a mansion for the former CJN in Abuja or any city of his choice and also furnish the property.

It was learned that Muhammad 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.

Naija News had reported that Muhammad on Monday tendered his resignation letter, citing health issues as the reason for his action.

Hours after his resignation, President Muhammadu Buhari swore in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who is the next most senior Justice as the acting CJN.

Muhammad’s resignation comes less than a week after the 14 Supreme Court Justices accused him of financial malfeasance and maladministration.

As a tradition, the federal government will pay the retired Justice his gratuity which is 300 percent of his annual basic salary of N3.36m as well as a pension for life.

The government will also provide at least four domestic staff for the retired justice and also gives him sundry allowances for personal keep such as allowances for accommodation, utilities, entertainment, medical, security, furniture, and vehicles.

In a chat with The Punch, a senior lawyer said Muhammad, being the head of the judiciary, would be well compensated so that he would not have to work again for life.

He added that the severance package is as humongous, adding that the former CJN would also be a member of the Council of State.

“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 said

Also speaking, another senior lawyer said Muhammad is entitled to a house anywhere in Abuja, domestic staff, cars, salaries and allowances for life.

He said: “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.”

An official of the NJC told the newspaper that the severance package for the retired justice was done by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

He said, “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.”