JUSTICE IS NOT FOR SALE , TINUBU TO JUDICIARY
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On Monday, President Bola Tinubu warned that justice must never be bought and asked the judiciary to act decisively to address concerns about its integrity.
He claims that many have voiced their anxiety over the lack of access to justice in addition to their displeasure with case resolution delays.
As he opened the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, President Tinubu declared, “Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years; they must become beacons of efficiency, where disputes are resolved swiftly, and where litigants depart with renewed confidence in the rule of law.”
President Tinubu insisted that confidence is the foundation of justice and described the conference’s topic, “Building a Confident Judiciary,” as appropriate and appropriate.
“This is not a burden for the National Judicial Council alone; it is a communal duty that rests on every judicial officer,” he said, adding that his government “stands ready to assist every effort by the Judiciary to protect its dignity and eliminate misbehavior.”
“A verdict may be based on the law and delivered clearly, but its moral power is lessened unless the public perceives it to be fair, unbiased, and unspoiled,” President Tinubu stated in an address to the judges.
Therefore, public trust is not merely a theoretical goal; rather, it is a real indicator of the legitimacy of the judiciary and the real value of justice. We have to be honest and admit that the public’s opinion of the legal system has not always been positive.
People have complained about delays, integrity issues, and difficulty accessing the legal system. Whether or not these perceptions are entirely justified, they cannot be disregarded.
They urge us to consider, change, and rebuild. Because in the end, justice exists for the people, not for the Bench or the Bar. Our country’s stability is based on their trust in the legal system. In this context, I would like to restate with conviction and clarity my administration’s unshakable commitment to helping the Judiciary carry out its constitutional role. The judiciary operates within a broader democratic framework, where all three branches of government must cooperate, respect one another, and share accountability to the Nigerian people. “Even when divided by function, the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary must continue to be linked by purpose.
According to my administration, a strong, capable, and unwaveringly honest judiciary is not only desirable, but also essential to the survival of our democracy and the prosperity of our country. Without a courageous and effective judiciary, we cannot create a just society. In keeping with this, we have decided to give our courts the material and institutional assistance they need to carry out their responsibilities with efficiency, dignity, and confidence. “Support ought to be concrete, not symbolic. It must result in better working conditions, up-to-date facilities, and well-appointed courtrooms where justice is administered in a timely and open manner. “Our courts must become efficient hubs where cases are settled quickly and litigants leave with a restored sense of trust in the rule of law. They cannot be places where cases linger for years. One of the top priorities continues to be the modernization of the legal system. Technology is become a need rather than a luxury. This administration will continue to focus on the digitization of court procedures, the implementation of integrated case management systems, and the supply of safe and dependable judicial facilities.
“In addition to increasing efficiency, a digitized, open judiciary will strengthen public trust and accountability. In this transition, none of our courts should be left behind. However, computer screens or even physical stores cannot do it justice. The men and women who interpret the law and breathe its spirit are the Judiciary’s real strength. The moral strength of the Republic is determined by the caliber of the work performed by our judges, who are the living guardians of justice. For this reason, judicial independence, welfare, and training are requirements rather than extras. As the premier center for judicial education, comparative research, and professional development, we will keep assisting the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Our Bench must continue to be characterized by intellectual renewal and ongoing learning. “Just as the law changes every day, so too must those who interpret and enforce it.” We need to make sure that our judges have the authority to mold the law in line with constitutional principles in addition to being qualified to interpret it in the modern day.
But let us be clear: integrity must be maintained for any reform to be successful. The Bench must never turn into a haven for compromise, and justice must never be for sale. The nation is weakened by corruption in any branch of government, but it is fundamentally destroyed by corruption in the judiciary. Governance loses its integrity and democracy loses its basis when justice is compromised. “Judicial discipline must be tough, open, and consistent,” he continued. The only judiciary with the moral authority to purify society is one that purifies itself. “My Lords, I want you to keep in mind that the judiciary is a tool for enforcing justice for the people, not an end in and of itself, when you deliberate over the next few days. Its moral authority stems not only from the Constitution but also from the faith and confidence that common people have in it. “The biggest threat to freedom is a delayed, compromised, or disjointed judiciary; the greatest guarantee is a brave, open, and principled judiciary.” For this reason, I implore you to be brave and realistic in your conversations. Go beyond identifying historical problems and dedicate yourself to practical fixes. Pose the challenging queries: How can the backlog of cases be reduced
“How can we improve discipline among the ranks? How can we increase the affordability and accessibility of justice for the vulnerable, the voiceless, and the impoverished? Above all, how can we create a judiciary that genuinely serves as the last resort for the average person? “Distinguished Judges and Delegates, I see in front of me not only legal interpreters but also defenders of Nigeria’s moral compass and creators of her democratic future. You have the ability to influence our Republic’s moral compass, making sure that no citizen is too weak to be heard and that no authority is too strong to be subject to legal restraint. “I promise that this administration will continue to stand by your side, listen to you, and assist you in carrying out this holy duty. It is a heavy but honorable assignment. As I wrap up, I want to remind everyone that our democracy’s history is still being written. Every just verdict fortifies the Republic; every brave decision protects its essence. Therefore, let us decide that the chapters written during our era will be recognized for their honesty, bravery, and commitment to the rule of law.
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