Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has charged judicial officers to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, stressing that the dispensation of justice must be free from corruption and external influence.
Noting that the integrity of the nation depends on the moral uprightness of its justice system, the president warned that “the breakdown of any society begins when those entrusted with interpreting its laws become compromised”.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a workshop for justices and judges jointly organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu assured that his administration is determined to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
According to him, recent reviews of judges’ remuneration are part of broader efforts to enhance judicial independence.
“The moral foundation of our nation rests squarely on the integrity of its judicial system. 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.
The President addressed growing concerns about the slow pace of high-profile corruption trials compared to cybercrime cases.
“It is coming at a time when conversation in the fight against corruption evokes anger over delayed adjudication of high-profile matters while cases involving cybercrime masterminds are determined with dispatch,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s non-interference stance, noting that “there is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party.”
Tinubu highlighted progress in anti-corruption efforts, stating that the EFCC “has recorded over 7,000 convictions in the first two years of my administration and recovered assets in excess of ₦500 billion.”
He said the proceeds are being reinvested into social programmes, including the Students Loan and Consumer Credit Schemes, to benefit Nigerians directly.
On technological challenges, Tinubu emphasised the need for continuous learning in the judiciary.
“How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters? Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance in this digital age,” he said.
He reminded judges that corruption affects everyone equally.
“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,” he added.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said judicial officers must exercise firm control over proceedings and apply constitutional tools responsibly.
She said, “The strength of the judiciary lies in the trust reposed in judges by the Nigerian people. We must ensure that justice is neither delayed nor partial.”
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, said that while corruption remains “an enemy of the state,” combating it requires collaboration among the legislature, the judiciary, and the citizenry.
