Buhari Meets Body Of Benchers, Assures Of Improved Welfare

President Muhammadu Buhari has received in audience the highest distinction in the legal profession, the Body of Benchers in Abuja on Thursday.

The president said he was aware of the issues revolving around the welfare and living conditions of the country's judiciary.

He described the issues as serious which he added would be treated as such. 

Speaking during the visit, Buhari said his government was only surviving because the judiciary is functioning. 

He further noted the importance of nurturing and maintaining the judiciary while sustaining it to deliver its constitutional duties. 

He also promised to work on a 2018 report by a committee set up to review the welfare and working conditions of the judiciary. 

Buhari further assured that the welfare and working conditions of the judiciary would as a matter of urgency be resolved.

“Let me assure you that the issues would be given due and urgent attention within the resources available to government.” 

As contained in a statement signed by the president's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president congratulated the Benchers for completing the "Benchers Complex" at Jabi in Abuja successfully.

He described the structure as "Impressive that would house the body and provide conference facilities."

The president further accepted their invitation to personally commission the structure. 

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Wale Olanipekun (SAN) expressed sadness over the living condition of judges while citing those of the Supreme Court. 

“We want to plead with you. We need to bail out the Judiciary. The situation is bad. 

"Let us sympathise with the Judiciary. I know you to have respect, feelings for the Judiciary.

"You have sympathy, empathy and consideration.  

"The Body of Benchers as elders of the legal profession makes these recommendations to Your Excellency, with a plea that they should be attended to urgently.” 

However, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) called for collaboration between the Executive and judicial arms of government.