President Bola Tinubu has reemphasized the need for the judiciary to maintain its integrity, warning judicial officers that justice must remain corruption-free.
At the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu stressed that judicial officers, as the custodians of justice, must prioritize ethical behaviour.
“Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core,” Tinubu declared.
He assured attendees of his administration’s commitment to improving judicial capacity, welfare, and infrastructure, highlighting investments in training and the National Judicial Institute.
The President expressed concern over the growing backlog of cases and slow justice delivery, describing these issues as threats to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years.
“Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” he said.
Tinubu urged judges to implement bold reforms to restore public trust, emphasizing that delayed or tainted justice undermines the rule of law.
He acknowledged Nigerians’ frustration with the system, citing concerns over delayed judgments and questionable conduct.
“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore.”
To address these challenges, Tinubu announced plans to prioritize digitalization, modern infrastructure, and efficient case management.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. We will prioritize modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management. A digital, transparent judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust,” he stated.
The Nigerian leader called on judicial officers to take ownership of safeguarding the courts’ integrity, stressing that discipline must be firm and transparent.
“Judicial discipline must be firm and transparent, and it is the responsibility of every judicial officer, not just the National Judicial Council,” he said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that the conference would yield meaningful resolutions to reinforce the judiciary as a guardian of democracy.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul.”
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