President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigerian judiciary to uphold its integrity, remain impartial, and resist corruption, warning that the collapse of any society begins when the judicial arm loses credibility.
The President’s message was delivered on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the opening of a workshop jointly organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
In a post shared via the Vice President’s official X handle, Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to strengthening judicial independence and integrity through improved welfare, remuneration, and institutional support.
“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,” the President said.
Judicial Integrity Key to National Stability
The President reiterated that the moral foundation of Nigeria rests squarely on the judiciary, stressing that justice must be the guiding principle for peace, order, and national development.
He expressed concern over growing public dissatisfaction with the slow pace of justice, particularly in high-profile corruption cases, contrasting them with the quicker resolution of cybercrime matters.
“The judiciary plays a pivotal role in preserving public trust. It must demonstrate fairness, transparency, and efficiency in handling all cases—especially those involving economic and financial crimes,” Tinubu noted.
Commitment to Justice Reform
Beyond salary reviews and welfare improvements, Tinubu affirmed that his administration is determined to provide the judiciary with the tools and autonomy it needs to discharge its constitutional duties without interference.
“Our commitment to justice reform goes beyond remuneration. We are determined to empower our judiciary to function independently and effectively,” he added.
Strengthening the Fight Against Corruption
The EFCC-NJI workshop, held under the theme of enhancing judicial integrity and cooperation in the fight against economic crimes, aims to deepen collaboration between the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies. The event brings together judges, justices, and legal experts to address systemic challenges in justice delivery and to explore strategies for timely adjudication of corruption-related cases.
President Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when calls for comprehensive judicial reforms and greater accountability in the fight against corruption continue to grow across the country.
