President stresses role of judiciary in sustaining national stability
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigerian judiciary to remain steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible in the discharge of its duties, warning that the collapse of any society begins when those entrusted with interpreting its laws become compromised.
Tinubu made this known in remarks delivered at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Joint Workshop for Justices and Judges, held in Abuja.
The President was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who shared Tinubu’s message through his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.
Judiciary described as the last sanctuary of collective conscience
In his address, President Tinubu underscored the judiciary’s vital role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring the rule of law. He stressed that the nation’s moral fabric depends on the integrity and independence of the 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,” the President stated.
He reaffirmed that judicial integrity remains the moral foundation of the Nigerian state. According to him, once this foundation is eroded, public trust collapses and democratic stability becomes threatened.
Commitment to improved welfare and judicial independence
President Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. He noted that recent remuneration reviews for judges and justices form part of a broader plan to strengthen judicial independence and capacity.
“Our administration remains committed to enhancing the welfare of our judicial officers. A strong, independent, and well-resourced judiciary is indispensable to the survival of democracy,” Tinubu added.
Analysts say the review of judicial salaries and benefits — the first in decades — signals a shift towards addressing longstanding concerns about funding and independence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Call for swift adjudication of high-profile cases
Tinubu also addressed growing public concerns over the slow pace of high-profile corruption cases. He contrasted the lengthy delays in prosecuting economic and financial crimes with the comparatively faster handling of cybercrime cases in Nigerian courts.
He urged judicial officers to ensure timely and fair adjudication of all cases, emphasizing that justice delayed can erode public trust in legal institutions.
“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 said.
Judicial reforms aimed at strengthening institutions
The President explained that his administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms goes beyond remuneration and welfare. It also includes efforts to provide the judiciary with the tools, infrastructure, and institutional autonomy needed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
“The reforms we are pursuing aim to ensure that the judiciary functions without fear or favor, guided solely by the rule of law and the pursuit of justice,” he said.
Legal experts have long argued that a truly independent judiciary is critical for attracting investment, protecting civil liberties, and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.
Stakeholders welcome President’s remarks
Judicial stakeholders and anti-corruption advocates have welcomed the President’s remarks, describing them as timely and necessary. Many have, however, called for concrete actions to follow the promises.
“Judicial integrity is not just about words; it must be backed with resources, autonomy, and accountability,” said a senior legal practitioner in Abuja who attended the workshop.
Similarly, representatives from civil society organisations emphasized that strengthening the judiciary is crucial in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign and the broader goal of entrenching good governance.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s message to the judiciary reflects a broader acknowledgment that the rule of law remains central to Nigeria’s democratic survival. By calling for impartiality, improved efficiency, and strengthened independence, the administration hopes to reinforce public trust in the legal system.
As the government continues its judicial reform efforts, all eyes will be on how these promises translate into measurable outcomes in the handling of corruption cases, protection of citizens’ rights, and overall enhancement of Nigeria’s justice delivery system.
