Senate to debate siege to Justice Odili’s residence

Senate said the invasion of Justice Mary Odili’s residence by Security operatives has caught its attention for debate once it reopens for plenary after budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government which is currently ongoing.

Security operatives had on Friday night invaded the house of the Supreme court justice, which they claimed that “illegal activities” were ongoing in her at the time of the invasion.

This is just as the Chief Justice of Federation, Justice Mahmoud Tanko 72 hours after the invasion.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele made this disclosure during an oversight visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria ((CJN) in his Office on Monday in Abuja.

The Chairman said, “We cannot pretend not to be unaware of the embarrassing situation on invasion of residence of Justice Mary Odili on Friday night by Security Agencies, without joining issue with anyone, we take the matter seriously, by the time, we are back to plenary session, we will discuss the matter as urgent of national importance.”

Speaking on the budget of the Judiciary in 2022, Senator Bamidele said ,”It is trite to state that 2022 budget budget estimate for the judiciary is N120 billion only representing an increase in the sum of N10 billion, over the sum which was appropriated in the 2021 Appropriation Act.

“Even though this increase is not enough to meet the competing needs and challenges of the judiciary, we must commend the present administration for listening to the voice of reason and clamour from various quarters advocating for increased funding for the Judiciary.”

Responding to the Chairman’s opening remark, the Chief Justice of Nigeria disclosed that there is no any interference from Legislators or Executives arm of government on their activities, adding that the National Assembly has not failed the judiciary.

According to him, legislative arm of government has not failed us, there is nothing that we want that have not been granted by the lawmakers.

“You are doing the right thing. If you see that something is going wrong with the Judiciary, call our attention to it. There is no interference from Legislature and Executive on our activities.

He submitted that the Judiciary is ready to accept correction if something is going wrong.

In her submission, the Ag. Chief Registrar of Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello informed the lawmakers that 75 percent budget performance has been recorded in terms of releases and 60 percent in expenditure.

She said that N368 million was appropriated to cater for the official vehicles of the Hon. the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Hon. Justices of the Court.

He added that last year eight Hon. Justices were appointed in to the bench of the court and the sum was therefore for the procurement of one additional vehicle each for eight newly appointed Justices in the interim pending the availability of the funds to procure the remaining vehicles.