Ex-CJN Tanko to get N2.5bn benefits, as Senate mandates compulsory corruption probe

The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko, is expected to get a N2.5bn severance package from the Federal Government.

Tanko’s resignation on health grounds was announced on Monday, less than a week after the 14 Supreme Court Justices accused him of financial malfeasance and maladministration.

Following the development, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.),  on Monday swore in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, being the next most senior Justice as the acting CJN.

As part of the package for the retired chief justice put together by the National Judicial Council, a mansion will be built for him in Abuja or any city of his choice with a lump sum for furnishing.

This is in addition to a gratuity that is said to be 300 per cent of his annual basic salary of N3.36m as well as a pension for life.

The National Judicial Commission had in 2019 recommended the payment of N2.5bn for Muhammad’s predecessor, Walter Onnoghen.

A report also stated that former CJN, Alfa Belgore, was also paid about N2.8b after he retired from service.

Just like state governors, a retired chief justice is entitled to at least four domestic staff and sundry allowances for personal upkeep.

This includes allowances for accommodation, utilities, entertainment, medical, security, furniture, and vehicles.

Though the remuneration and severance package of political, public and judicial officers were published on the website of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the full details of the allowances were not disclosed.

It was gathered that the former CJN would get the financial package based on the provisions of Section 291 (2) and (3a-c) of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 2 of the Pensions Rights of Judges Act.

An analyst maintained that the retired CJN, being the head of the judiciary, would be well paid so that he or she would not have to work again for life.

“The severance package is as humongous as the one paid to former Senate President. He would also be a member of the Council of State,” he added.