President Bola Tinubu, in a significant move to strengthen the Nigerian judiciary and uphold the rule of law, signed his inaugural bill into law on Thursday.
The bill, aimed at establishing a uniform retirement age for judicial officers, received the president’s assent to bring retirement age and pension rights into alignment among other related matters.
While signing the law, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering judicial officers to effectively execute their responsibilities.
He emphasized the government’s dedication to fortifying the judiciary and ensuring its independence.
The bill was initially transmitted to former President Muhammadu Buhari by the Senate in May, adhering to the Authentication Act’s provision, seeking his assent.
However, the torchbearer was passed to President Tinubu, who, in exercising the powers vested in him under the amended 1999 Constitution, assented to the bill at the State House.
In a statement by Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information in the State House, it was revealed that the Constitutional Amendment Bill had been signed into law by President Tinubu. The amendment effectively achieves uniformity in retirement age and pension rights for judicial officers, amongst other associated matters.
The bill primarily strives to establish a harmonized retirement age and pension rights for judicial officers across all superior courts of record.
Specifically, Section 6(5)(c)-(i) of the constitution lists the various superior courts of record, whose judicial officers will now retire at the age of 70, instead of the previous age of 65.
The Uniform Retirement Age Bill specifically aims to bring the retirement age of High Court Judges in line with that of Justices serving in the two appellate courts.
The signing of this legislation holds paramount importance, as it serves to bolster public confidence in the judicial system and safeguard judicial independence.
By unifying retirement age and pension rights, it eliminates the potential for executive interference in the removal of judicial officers, further solidifying the separation of powers.
President Tinubu’s assent to the bill is a pivotal step towards ensuring a fair and impartial judiciary, instilling trust in the Nigerian legal system, and fostering an environment where justice can prevail without external influence. Tinubu Signs First Bill Into Law Raising Judges’ Retirement Age
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