Tinubu admits compromise in judiciary, says it undermines integrity

•Tinubu and CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

President Bola Tinubu yesterday ac­knowledged that the judiciary sometimes fall to temptations, making them compro­mise in the delivery of judgments.

He, however, advised that judges must uphold the sanctity of their profession by safeguarding their integrity, reports Daily Independent.

According to President Tinubu, the strength and honour of the judiciary lie in proper and unequivocal interpretation of the constitution.

While declaring the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference open at the National Judicial Institute, Tinubu noted that the public perception of the Bench should be of utmost concern, particularly in pro­tecting the nation’s democracy.

He stated that the theme of the bienni­al conference was particularly timely, re­flecting the prevailing perception in the country, and assured that the government would support the judiciary.

“The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Building a Confident Judiciary,’ could not be more fit­ting. 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.

“The confidence of the people is, therefore, not an abstract aspi­ration. It is the living measure of the judiciary’s legitimacy and the true currency of justice.

“We must acknowledge, with candour, that public perception of the judicial process has not always been favourable. Citizens have expressed frustration at delays, concerns about integrity, and anxiety over access to justice.

“These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us is to reflect, to reform, and to restore. For ultimately, justice does not exist for the Bench or the Bar; it exists for the people. Their faith in the judicial process is the foun­dation of our national stability,’’ he added.

President Tinubu stated that judges must uphold the spirit of the law.

“Bricks and mortar, or even digital screens, do not make jus­tice. The true strength of the Judi­ciary lies in the men and women who interpret the law and give life to its spirit.

“Our judges are the living custodians of justice; the calibre of their work defines the moral strength of the Republic. That is why judicial welfare, training, and independence are not privi­leges; they are imperatives,” the president stated.

President Tinubu urged judg­es always to consider the larger picture of a united and more pros­perous nation when carrying out their responsibilities.

“In this regard, I wish to reaf­firm, with clarity and conviction, the unwavering commitment of my administration to supporting the judiciary in fulfilling its con­stitutional mandate.

“My administration believes that a judiciary that is strong in capacity, efficient in processes, and uncompromising in integ­rity is not merely desirable; it is indispensable to the survival of our democracy and the prosper­ity of our nation.

“We cannot build a just society without a fearless and functional judiciary. In this spirit, we have re­solved to provide the institutional and material support that will en­able our courts to perform their duties with dignity, confidence, and efficiency.

“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,” the president added.

President Tinubu commend­ed the judiciary’s steadfastness and fearless interventions over the years, even at critical mo­ments in the nation’s history.

“Whenever Nigeria has faced moments of uncertainty, history has recorded that the judiciary stood firm as the stabilising force of our national life.

“It is through the courage of judges and their judicial pro­nouncements that tyranny has been restrained, constitutional order preserved, and the voice of justice amplified above the noise of division or despair.

“For this enduring role, I extend, on behalf of the govern­ment and the people of Nigeria, our deepest gratitude and abiding respect,” he said.

On modernisation of the ju­diciary, President Tinubu said: “We will continue to support the National Judicial Institute (NJI) as the leading hub for judicial education, comparative study, and professional development. Continuous learning and intel­lectual renewal must remain the hallmark of our Bench.

“The law evolves daily, and so too must those who interpret and apply it. We must ensure that our judges are not only equipped to interpret law in contemporary times but also empowered to shape it in accordance with con­stitutional values.

“The modernisation of ju­dicial infrastructure remains a central priority. Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessi­ty. The digitisation of court pro­cesses, the adoption of integrated case management systems, and the provision of secure and reli­able judicial facilities will receive sustained attention from this ad­ministration.

“A digital, transparent judi­ciary will not only improve ef­ficiency but will also deepen ac­countability and public trust. We should not leave any of our courts behind in this transformation,” the president said.

Tinubu urged par­ticipants to be rigorous and coura­geous in addressing the challeng­es facing the judiciary.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Olatokun­bo Kekere-Ekun, expressed grati­tude to the president for his com­mitment to the cause of justice in the country.

“We deeply appreciate your abiding commitment to the cause of justice in our dear nation. To­day, we gathered not merely to reflect on our responsibility as custodians of justice but to take a decisive step towards a judicia­ry that embodies integrity, resil­ience, and unwavering public confidence.

“The temple of justice trem­bles where justice is denied. We must be a symbol of incorrupt­ible honour.

“This conference, convened by the National Judicial Insti­tute for judicial officers, is not just a tradition of necessity; it provides an invaluable platform for retrospection, collaboration, and the adoption of strategic resolutions that propel our judi­ciary forward.

“Here our judges engage meaningfully with one another, strengthen institutional ethics, and reaffirm the enduring com­mitment to dispense justice with precision, fairness and accessibility­,” the Chief Justice added.