The Nigerian Bar Association has expressed sadness over the death of the former Chief Judge of Bayelsa, Kate Abiri. It however said her death after retirement showed the failure of the government to see to the welfare of judicial officers.
Abiri served as the chief judge between 2008 and 2023. She died on August 3, 2023.
The NBA in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Akorede Lawal, said she was loved by the bar while calling for the declaration of a state of emergency on the welfare of judges and justices.
The statement partly read, “His lordship’s passing a few months after her retirement is an indication of the failure of the government on the issue of the welfare of judicial officers. The NBA, therefore, calls on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the issue of the welfare of judges and justices.
“The spate of death of judicial officers while in service and retirement and the living conditions for many both in service and retirement is pitiable, to say the least. A situation where many cannot access basic health care is unacceptable.”
He expressed concern that judiciary officers were allowed to die or retire into distress after serving the nation.
The statement added, “This apparent neglect of judicial officers opens the door for all manner of temptations and it is hurting the nation; it is a direct attack on the dispensation of justice, which is the foundation for the existence of any nation and the necessary atmosphere that will engender economic growth and development.”
Lawal noted that the NBA was optimistic that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration would speedily implement the recommendations by the NJC and the NBA for the upward review of the salaries and allowances of judges and justices.
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