President Bola Tinubu has informed judicial officers throughout the nation that justice should stay sacred and shielded from corruption.
The president made the declaration on Monday on the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Convention of the Superior Courts in Abuja, the place he additionally reminded the justices that justice ought to by no means be on the market.
The president emphasised that judicial officers stay the true custodians of justice and guaranteed continued funding in welfare, coaching, and the Nationwide Judicial Institute.
The President additionally warned towards corruption in judicial issues.
He stated, “Justice must not ever be on the market, and the Bench must not ever grow to be a sanctuary for compromise.
“Corruption in any arm of presidency weakens the nation, however corruption within the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
Tinubu insisted that judicial self-discipline should be agency and clear, stressing that safeguarding the courts’ integrity is the duty of each judicial officer, not simply the Nationwide Judicial Council.
Tinubu was additionally of the view that the rising backlog of instances and the sluggish tempo of justice supply had been unacceptable and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He charged the Judiciary to embrace daring, sensible reforms that will restore public belief and strengthen the rule of legislation, warning that the legitimacy of the courts is threatened when justice is delayed or tainted.
“The backlog of instances in our courts should be addressed with urgency. Our courts should now not be locations the place instances languish for years.
“Justice exists for the individuals, and their religion within the judicial course of is the muse of our nationwide stability,” he stated.
Tinubu famous that Nigerians have repeatedly expressed frustration over delayed judgments, questionable conduct, and the issue of accessing justice.
He stated these considerations require trustworthy reflection and decisive motion.
“These perceptions, whether or not wholly justified or not, can’t be ignored. They name upon us to mirror, to reform, and to revive,” he added.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing judicial capability, working situations, and infrastructure nationwide.
He stated expertise should grow to be central to court docket operations, with digitisation and built-in case administration forming the spine of future reforms.
“Help should be tangible, not ceremonial. We are going to prioritise fashionable infrastructure, digital processes, and environment friendly case administration. A digital, clear judiciary will deepen accountability and public belief,” he acknowledged.
He urged judges to implement reforms that strengthen self-discipline, cut back congestion in courts, and make justice extra accessible and inexpensive to residents.
Declaring the convention open, Tinubu stated the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy continues to be formed by the braveness, equity, and integrity of judicial choices.
He expressed confidence that the convention resolutions would reinforce the Judiciary because the guardian of the nation’s democratic beliefs.
“Every truthful judgment strengthens the Republic; every brave ruling preserves its soul,” he stated.