President Tinubu Declares Kidnappers as Terrorists

President Bola Tinubu has directed that kidnappers should be labeled as terrorists.

President Tinubu gave the directives during a Ramadan dinner with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other members of the Federal Judiciary

He Reiterated the government’s readiness to combat banditry and described those who resort to kidnapping children as cowards who cannot confront the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They seek out vulnerable targets such as schools and children, causing division and animosity. To eradicate them, we must treat them on par with terrorists. I assure you, we will eliminate them.”

On the subject of judicial officers’ salary review, the President assured that his administration will continue implementing necessary reforms to enhance their welfare and working conditions.

“I acknowledge the judiciary’s exceptionally demanding responsibilities. Unfortunately, they are yet to modernize their equipment and recordkeeping, and their progress towards improvement has been sluggish,” stated the president.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ariwoola, lauded the President for hosting the judicial officers at the Ramadan dinner, commending his commitment to judicial reforms, and acknowledged the efforts made to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country.

On his part, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill titled “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries, and Allowances, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly.

Highlighting the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and emoluments since 2007, Fagbemi commended the President’s courageous, determined, and compassionate actions.