Tinubu Urges Tough Action Against Kidnappers, Vows to Treat Them as Terrorists
President Bola Tinubu has called for stringent measures against kidnappers, advocating that they be treated as terrorists due to their heinous acts. He made this declaration during a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, led by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
During the event attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen, President Tinubu emphasized the need to defeat banditry and address the menace of kidnapping. He described kidnappers as cowards who target soft targets, such as schools, and urged for decisive action to rid the country of this menace.
President Tinubu also pledged to implement necessary reforms to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers, acknowledging the challenges faced by the judiciary. He expressed appreciation for the judiciary’s dedicated service to the nation and highlighted the importance of fair compensation for judicial officers, especially post-retirement.
In response, Chief Justice Ariwoola commended the President for hosting the judicial officers to a Ramadan dinner and for his commitment to judicial reforms. He expressed optimism for the future of Nigeria under President Tinubu’s administration.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, thanked the President for forwarding the executive bill titled “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly. He praised President Tinubu’s courage and compassion in addressing the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and emoluments since 2007.
The President’s call to treat kidnappers as terrorists and his commitment to judicial reforms have been met with both praise and criticism, highlighting the complex nature of addressing security and welfare issues in Nigeria.
NTA News
