Tinubu Warns Judiciary: Justice Must Never Be for Sale at 2025 Judges’ Conference

President Bola Tinubu on Monday issued a strong warning to judicial officers across the country, declaring that justice must remain sacred and insulated from corruption. The President made the statement while declaring open the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, an event attended by judges, judicial administrators, and legal stakeholders from across the nation. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Tinubu told the gathering that the judiciary occupies a central role in preserving the rule of law and must therefore maintain the highest standards of integrity. He noted that the courts are the last hope of the common man, and any compromise within the institution threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, judicial officers must uphold ethical conduct not only in their rulings but also in their everyday affairs, serving as examples of discipline, transparency, and fairness.

He emphasized that corruption in the judiciary carries consequences far more damaging than corruption in any other arm of government because it distorts justice, erodes public confidence, and undermines national stability. Tinubu stressed that judicial officers must never allow their courts to become arenas where influence, money, or political pressure determines the outcome of cases.

The President expressed concern about the growing backlog of cases across various courts, noting that delays in the dispensation of justice continue to frustrate citizens and weaken the country’s legal system. He warned that the judiciary must confront systemic inefficiencies that allow cases to remain unresolved for years, asserting that prolonged litigation deprives citizens of timely justice and diminishes confidence in the entire legal framework.

Tinubu stated that swift, fair, and transparent adjudication is not merely an administrative target but a necessary requirement for sustaining trust in democratic governance. He added that justice that arrives too late loses its essence and fails to serve those who depend on the courts for protection and redress.

To address these challenges, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the capacity of courts nationwide. He assured judges that the Federal Government will continue to invest in judicial training, welfare, and institutional upgrades through bodies like the National Judicial Institute. Such investments, he said, are necessary to empower judges with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to perform their duties effectively.

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of adopting technology to modernize court operations. He advocated for the implementation of digital case management systems, electronic filing, and integrated judicial databases that allow for efficient tracking of cases and reduction of unnecessary delays. According to him, digitisation represents the future of justice administration, and the judiciary must embrace innovations that enable faster and more accountable processes.

He insisted that reforms must be comprehensive, addressing both structural and procedural gaps that hinder the effective delivery of justice. Tinubu encouraged judicial officers to support transformative measures that would make court processes more accessible to the public, reduce costs, and enhance transparency.

The President reminded the judges that the responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary does not rest solely on the National Judicial Council. He said each judicial officer must personally commit to protecting the institution from compromise, noting that a judiciary weakened by corruption cannot serve the people or uphold democratic values.

Tinubu assured the participants that his administration will prioritize the provision of modern courtrooms, digitised systems, research resources, and improved administrative structures to ensure that judicial officers can perform optimally. He said such investments are not mere ceremonial promises but essential steps toward building a justice system the country can trust.

As he concluded his remarks, the President reaffirmed his belief that fair and courageous judicial decisions strengthen the nation. He expressed hope that the conference would yield practical resolutions capable of repositioning the judiciary as a steadfast guardian of Nigeria’s democratic ideals. Tinubu reminded attendees that every principled ruling preserves the soul of the Republic and contributes to a more just and stable society.

He maintained that the judiciary must never be compromised, noting again that justice must never be for sale in any form or at any level in the country.