*Says My Pension Is Less Than ₦500,000
A retired Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, has accused the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of failing to adequately address petitions against senior and influential lawyers.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Law Weekly program, Justice Taiwo highlighted various issues plaguing the legal profession and the judiciary, calling for urgent reforms.
Justice Taiwo alleged that the LPDC and NBA are reluctant to act on petitions involving senior lawyers, attributing this to favoritism and an unwillingness to disrupt the status quo. “The NBA must rise up to this occasion to make sure that lawyers, no matter who they are, face accountability. The heavens will not fall.”
He attributed conflicting judgments in Nigeria to poor communication and lack of synergy among judges. He suggested that judgments should be circulated widely to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. “If I have a judgment that is recognized in law, circulate it to other judges. Let everyone be on the same page.”
Justice Taiwo criticized the current processes for judicial appointments and promotions, calling for a merit-based approach rather than one influenced by seniority or lobbying. He expressed confidence in the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to address these issues.“We must ensure the right people are appointed. The system should not prioritize lobbying over merit.”
He accused the NBA of not doing enough to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, especially concerning the actions of senior lawyers. He urged the association to enforce the rules of professional conduct more strictly.“The NBA should bring back the profession to what it used to be.”
Justice Taiwo lamented the poor treatment of retired judges, revealing that their pensions and entitlements are yet to be adjusted despite recent reforms for serving judges. “Retired judges are still left out. My monthly pension is less than ₦500,000. This must change to assure serving judges of a secure retirement.”
He acknowledged public criticism of the judiciary, emphasizing the need for transparency and proactive communication to rebuild trust. He also urged attorneys general to clarify judicial decisions to the public, as judges are unable to do so themselves.
Justice Taiwo called for the implementation of recommendations from a recent judicial reform conference attended by judges, lawyers, and the Attorney General of the Federation. “The report is solid. Dust it off and implement its recommendations.”
Justice Taiwo concluded with a plea for collective action to address systemic issues and restore public confidence in the judiciary. “Let’s be sincere and restore the dignity of this profession. The judiciary’s integrity is essential for the nation’s democracy.”

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