- Commission says N278 million paid to retired judges, gives 24-hour ultimatum for apology
The Kogi State Pension Commission on Saturday threatened to petition Nigeria’s legal disciplinary bodies against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo unless he retracts and apologises for remarks about Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo within 24 hours.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Hajia Mariam Ozioma Abedo, the Commission said it had paid N278.07 million since January to 15 retired judicial officers who have yet to receive their full gratuity entitlements. It said the payments followed verified entitlements and the resources available to government.
The statement responded to a publication dated Oct. 23 attributed to Adebayo, a former attorney-general of Oyo State, on the retirement benefits of retired judicial officers in Kogi.
The Commission said it would submit formal petitions to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee if Adebayo does not comply. It said his language and personal allegations raised concerns about the restraint, dignity and professional responsibility expected of a lawyer, particularly a Senior Advocate.
It demanded that Adebayo withdraw what it called abusive descriptions and unsupported allegations against Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, within 24 hours of the publication of its rejoinder. It also demanded that he publish an unequivocal apology through the same channels used for the original publication, and correct his assertion that no payments had been made to retired judicial officers.
The Commission rejected terms allegedly used against Ododo, including “puppet,” “effigy,” “pawn,” “toy” and “breastfeeding” governor. It said such expressions do not show whether any entitlement has been wrongly withheld or any payment decision improperly influenced.
It also challenged the allegation that Bello controls his successor and would block payment of the judicial officers’ benefits.
“If Mr. Adebayo possesses credible evidence that a particular payment decision has been improperly influenced, he should identify that evidence and present it through the appropriate channels. Serious allegations demand serious evidence,” the statement said.
The Commission said Ododo’s administration remains open to legitimate public scrutiny, but that criticism should rest on verifiable facts and reasoned arguments.
“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a mark of professional distinction that carries commensurate responsibilities. It is no licence to insult public office holders, speculate about their motives or substitute provocative language for verifiable evidence,” it said.
While affirming the right of citizens and lawyers to demand accountability and push for the payment of legitimate retirement benefits, the Commission said retirement benefits are obligations of government. It said the administration recognises the contribution of retired judicial officers to the administration of justice.
It said outstanding gratuity balances should not be read as evidence that the government is hostile to the judiciary or unwilling to meet its obligations. The state, it said, must balance those obligations with funding salaries, pensions, roads, schools, hospitals, security and other essential services.
The Commission urged Adebayo to identify any beneficiary or category of entitlement he believes has been mishandled and seek clarification from the appropriate authorities. It reaffirmed its commitment to engaging retired judicial officers and other pensioners over their verified entitlements.
“The public deserves accurate information. Retired judicial officers deserve dignity and the settlement of their legitimate entitlements,” the statement concluded.
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