President Bola Tinubu pledges that his government will categorize kidnappers as terrorists, promising to eliminate them.
Tinubu’s remarks come after a recent series of kidnappings in the country, especially the abduction of hundreds of school children in Kuriga, Kaduna state.
“We need to treat kidnappers as terrorists…in order to get rid of them, and I assure you, we will get rid of them,’” Tinubu pledged on Tuesday at a Ramadan dinner at the State House, Abuja, with members of the Federal judiciary led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed late Tuesday titled ‘President Tinubu: We must treat kidnappers as terrorists.’
He condemned what he described as despicable acts committed by kidnappers nationwide, stating that those who engage in kidnapping children are cowards, unable to confront the strength of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“We need to treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been weakened. They seek out easy targets.
“They target schools and abduct children, causing discord. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I assure you we will get rid of them,” said Tinubu.
Regarding the review of salaries of judicial officers, the President promised that his government would continue to carry out necessary changes to enhance the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
“I acknowledge that the judiciary has one of the most underappreciated responsibilities. They have yet to update equipment and recordkeeping, and their progress in improving is slow.
“When you observe the career path of a judicial officer, they cannot practice the profession for which they were trained after retirement.
“While the creators of the law may have their reasons, I interpret this differently and view it from a fair compensation perspective that should benefit everyone,” the President stated.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the judiciary for their devoted service to the nation, recognizing their role in maintaining the integrity of the judicial branch of government.
“We will continue to support one another and bring Nigeria to that glorious dawn,” he concluded.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria praised the President for hosting judicial officers to a Ramadan dinner, his dedication to judicial reforms, and for improving the welfare of judicial officers in the country.
“May the Lord continue to bless you and your administration. Let your ship land and berth beautifully.
“We will keep praying for your administration because there are many positive things in the works for Nigerians,” Ariwoola prayed.
He also commended the administration for appointing a full set of 21 justices to the Supreme Court, a achievement he described as unparalleled.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, expressed gratitude to the President for submitting the executive bill titled, “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly.
Fagbemi praised the President for his bold decision to address the stagnant state of judges' salaries and emoluments since 2007, highlighting his courage, determination, and compassion.
The President's actions to give judges a more than 300.3 percent increase require a man with a great heart, determination, and consideration.
The President has fulfilled his role, despite the fact that the bill is still with the National Assembly.
The Minister of Justice expressed gratitude for the President's enduring interest in judiciary matters during his time as the Attorney-General.
Serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justices Mahmud Mohammed and Walter Onnoghen, were present at the dinner.
