President Bola Tinubu on Monday cautioned judicial officers across Nigeria to uphold the highest ethical standards, insisting that justice must remain beyond the reach of corruption.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, the President said the Judiciary must remain the guardian of fairness, discipline, and national stability.
Tinubu stressed that no meaningful judicial reform could succeed without integrity at all levels. “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise,” he said.
“Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
The President lamented the slow pace of justice delivery and the persistent backlog of cases across courts nationwide, describing the situation as harmful to the country’s democratic health.
According to him, the Judiciary must adopt bold solutions that prioritize efficiency and public trust.
“The backlog of cases in our courts must be addressed with urgency. Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he said. “Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability.”
Tinubu noted that Nigerians have repeatedly complained about delayed judgments, questionable conduct, and the difficulty of accessing justice. He urged judicial officers to treat these concerns seriously.
“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore,” he stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judicial sector, the President promised greater investment in welfare, training, and infrastructure, including digital tools and modern case management systems.
“Support must be tangible, not ceremonial,” he said. “A digital, transparent Judiciary will deepen accountability and public trust.”
He encouraged judges to embrace reforms that promote discipline, reduce congestion in courts, and make justice more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.
Declaring the conference open, Tinubu praised the role of the Judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
“Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he said, expressing confidence that the conference resolutions would reinforce the Judiciary’s position as a pillar of democratic governance.
