The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad will receive a N2.5bn severance package from the Federal Government.
Muhammad had resigned, citing health reasons, on Monday, less than a week after the 14 Supreme Court Justices accused him of financial malfeasance and maladministration.
He was immediately replaced by President Muhammadu Buhari as Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the next most senior Justice was sworn in 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 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 former CJN, Alfa Belgore, is also understood to have been 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.
Meanwhile the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on Tuesday received a fresh order to probe the newly retired CJN over the allegations of corruption levelled against him by 14 Supreme Court Justices.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, mandated the Committee led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to probe the allegations against the CJN and the crisis presently rocking the judiciary.
