President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared yesterday that kidnappers should be treated as terrorists, denouncing their reprehensible acts during a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal Judiciary, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s determination to combat banditry, labelling kidnappers as cowards incapable of confronting the Nigerian Armed Forces directly. He emphasised the need to categorise kidnappers as terrorists to effectively eliminate their menace, asserting confidence in the government’s ability to eradicate this threat.
Among the attendees at the dinner were former CJN Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.
In addition to discussing security issues, President Tinubu pledged to continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. Recognising the judiciary’s pivotal role, he expressed concern over the slow progress in modernising equipment and recordkeeping within the judicial system, promising to address these challenges.
Acknowledging the judiciary’s dedication to upholding the nation’s legal integrity, President Tinubu vowed continued support for the sector, aiming to bring Nigeria to greater heights.
CJN Justice Ariwoola commended President Tinubu for hosting the judicial officers and lauded his commitment to judicial reforms and improving welfare. He expressed blessings for the president’s administration and optimism for the future of Nigeria.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s initiative in forwarding the executive bill titled “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc., Bill 2024” to the National Assembly. Fagbemi praised the president’s leadership, highlighting the significant increase in judges’ salaries and commending his unwavering support for the judiciary.
