President Bola Tinubu on Monday charged Nigerian judges to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that justice must remain beyond the reach of corruption.
The address was delivered at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts, held at the Andrews Otutu Obaseki Auditorium, National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
In his remarks, the President said the Judiciary had consistently served as a stabilising force in difficult moments, adding that the resilience of judges had helped preserve constitutional order.
He said, “Whenever Nigeria has faced moments of uncertainty, history has recorded that the Judiciary stood firm as the stabilising force of our national life.”
Tinubu described public trust as central to the work of the courts, noting that judgments lose value if people doubt the fairness of the process.
He said, “Confidence is the lifeblood of justice. A judgment may be grounded in law and delivered with clarity, but unless the public perceives it to be fair, impartial, and untainted, its moral authority is diminished.”
He acknowledged concerns expressed by citizens over delays and access to justice, urging introspection and reform.
According to him, “These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform, and to restore.”
The President restated his government’s pledge to strengthen the courts, stating that cooperation among the three arms of government was essential.
He maintained that, “The Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary must remain united by purpose, even when separated by function.”
Tinubu said his administration was committed to improved working conditions, better facilities, and the use of technology to enhance court operations.
The President noted, “Support must be tangible, not ceremonial. It must translate into improved working conditions, modern infrastructure, and well-equipped courtrooms where justice is dispensed promptly and transparently.”
He added that judicial digitisation would receive sustained attention, stating, “A digital, transparent judiciary will not only improve efficiency but will also deepen accountability and public trust.”
The President emphasised that the strength of the courts rests on the character of those who serve on the Bench. He stressed the centrality of training and independence for judicial officers, saying, “Our Judges are the living custodians of justice; the calibre of their work defines the moral strength of the Republic.”
Tinubu warned that reforms would fail if integrity falters, declaring, “Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise.”
President Tinubu added that discipline must be firm and transparent, stating, “Only a Judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse society.”
Calling for bold discussions during the conference, the President urged participants to prioritise solutions to delays and accessibility. He asked, “How do we reduce the backlog of cases? How do we strengthen discipline within the ranks? How do we make justice more affordable and accessible to the poor, the weak, and the voiceless?”
Tinubu described judges as guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience, telling them, “You hold in your hands the power to shape the moral compass of our Republic; to ensure that no citizen is too weak to be heard and no authority too powerful to be restrained by law.”
He assured continued support from his administration and declared the Conference open, saying, “Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul.”
The President concluded with a prayer for the country and its Judiciary.
