Connect with us
Advertisement

Nigeria News

Ondo State: Pastor Giwa Condemns Gov. Akeredolu For Buying Judges SUVs

Published

on

Ondo Council Approves Olugbenga Ojo As New Oba Of Isinkan

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has been condemned by the Senior Pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ Gospel Church, Adewale Giwa for purchasing brand new SUVs for judges in the state.

According to reports, the Ondo governor presented 16 brand new 2019 model Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs for the use of the Chief Judge of the state and other judges.

Governor Akeredolu while presenting the SUVs stated that the gesture was to demonstrate his administrations’ promise to create a conducive atmosphere to the workforce.

The vehicles were received by the Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

The clergy while reacting to the development on Friday stated it was an “inducement” which had set a bad precedent.

He said: “It is very unnecessary and insulting to the Institution of the judiciary for a governor to be buying vehicles for judges who are financially independent.”

“Governor Akeredolu should have known better that under the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Act, 2008, the judges are entitled to a car loan and other benefits.”

“The law lists such benefits as accommodation, utilities, domestic staff, entertainment, medical, security, furniture, personal assistance, motor vehicle loan, severance/gratuity and retirement benefits.”

“Others are leave allowance, motor vehicle maintenance and fuel, hardship, newspapers, estacode, duty tour, outfit and special assistant allowances and others.”

“When the basic salary, allowances and fringe benefits are computed, the CJN and other Justices of the Supreme Court receive a monthly salary of N480, 766.89 and N751, 000 in their bank accounts respectively.”

“For a governor to purchase vehicles for judges is uncalled for. What happens to the judges financial autonomy where this can be done? By the principles of separation of powers, each of them is supposed to be autonomous, the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature.”

“I totally disagree with Governor Akeredolu for what he has done, and this should be referred to as ‘inducement’. As it is, do you think a citizen can get justice against government in a society where government is purchasing vehicles for judges?.”

“When a Pastor speaks the truth to power, sympathizers and supporters of their political parties would tell that pastor to face his Ministry. Our role is to speak out against injustice and bad governance.”

“Most of the state governors don’t even bother following a due process while doing things, and this has contributed to the failed nation that we have today.”