President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has delivered a stern message to top judicial officers across the country, insisting that the nation’s courts must never be tainted by corruption or influenced by financial inducements. Speaking on Monday at the official opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, the President stressed that Nigeria’s justice system must remain an institution of purity and credibility. Okay News reports.
In his address to the gathering of judges from across various superior courts, President Tinubu underscored that judicial officers are the principal protectors of justice in every democratic society. He assured the Judiciary of continuous government investment in professional development, welfare systems, and the strengthening of key institutions such as the National Judicial Institute, which is responsible for the training and ethical grooming of judges nationwide.
The President highlighted the need for continuous ethical reawakening within the Judiciary, emphasising that no reform can survive without the unwavering integrity of those who sit on the Bench. According to him, the Judiciary must resist becoming a haven for unethical practices.
Tinubu stated, “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
He further noted that judicial discipline must be transparent and firm, warning that every judicial officer must take responsibility for safeguarding the moral standing of the courts. He stressed that such responsibility must not be left solely to the National Judicial Council, which oversees discipline within the institution.
Addressing long-standing public complaints, Tinubu described the massive backlog of cases in Nigerian courts as a persistent threat to the stability of the country’s democracy. He lamented delays in delivering judgments and the difficulties citizens face in accessing justice.
The President urged bold reforms that will restore the confidence of Nigerians in their justice institutions. He explained that the credibility of the courts is weakened when cases are allowed to stagnate for years, or when judgments appear compromised.
“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years. Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged that many citizens complain about questionable judicial conduct and slow court processes. He insisted that these grievances must not be dismissed but must inspire the necessary reforms capable of rebuilding public trust.
“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he added.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s long-term commitment to strengthening judicial capacity and providing modern infrastructure to transform court operations. He insisted that technology, including digitisation and integrated case management systems, must become central to judicial work in the country.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. We will prioritise modern infrastructure, digital processes, and efficient case management. A digital, transparent judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust,” he stated.
President Tinubu encouraged judges to adopt reforms that enhance discipline, reduce congestion in courts, and ensure justice becomes more accessible and affordable for the Nigerian population.
Declaring the conference open, he expressed confidence that the resolutions reached would fortify the Judiciary as the guardian of Nigeria’s democratic values.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” the President concluded.
