October 20, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian judiciary to remain impartial and incorruptible in dispensing justice, warning that the collapse of any society begins when those entrusted with interpreting its laws become compromised.
Speaking on Monday while declaring open the joint workshop of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the integrity of the judiciary forms the moral foundation of the nation.
“We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the recent review of judges’ remuneration was part of broader efforts to strengthen judicial independence and ensure efficient justice delivery.
Addressing public concerns about delayed adjudication in high-profile corruption cases, Tinubu said: “The theme of this year’s workshop, Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes, resonates deeply, coming at a time when many Nigerians express frustration over the slow pace of corruption trials compared to the speedy determination of cybercrime cases.”
“There is also a growing sense of discontent over court decisions in serious corruption matters that leave the public feeling shortchanged,” he added.
Defending his administration’s stance on accountability, Tinubu stressed that his government had maintained a hands-off approach to judicial and anti-graft processes.
“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors because of their affiliation. We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers,” he said.
Highlighting recent progress in the fight against corruption, the President disclosed that the EFCC had secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than N500 billion within the first two years of his administration.
He added that the recovered funds were being redirected into social intervention programmes, including the Students Loan and Consumer Credit schemes.
On the growing complexity of financial crimes, Tinubu noted the need for continuous judicial education, citing the shift from simple email evidence to blockchain-based financial investigations.
“How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters? Learning and relearning are no longer buzzwords but necessities for relevance in this digital age,” he said.
Tinubu reminded judicial officers that corruption affects everyone, saying, “Your vantage position on the Bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption.
There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges. A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right in our respective spheres of influence.”
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairperson of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasised that judicial decisions have far-reaching implications for national stability and development.
She urged judges to apply constitutional tools with precision, exercise firm control over proceedings, and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor partial, noting that “the strength of the judiciary lies in the trust and confidence reposed in it by the Nigerian people.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
