Tinubu Tells Judges Justice Must Never Be for Sale
President Bola Tinubu has warned judicial officers across Nigeria that justice must remain sacred and free from corruption, declaring clearly that “justice must never be for sale.” He made this statement on Monday while opening the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja.
Speaking to judges from across the country, Tinubu emphasised that judicial officers are the true guardians of justice. He assured that his administration would continue investing in their welfare, training, and the National Judicial Institute to support continuous learning and ethical renewal on the Bench.
The President stressed that no judicial reform would succeed without integrity. He said, “The Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise. Corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the Judiciary destroys it at its core.”
Tinubu also warned that judicial discipline must be firm and transparent. He noted that maintaining the courts’ integrity is the duty of every judicial officer, not only the National Judicial Council. The President highlighted the growing backlog of cases and slow justice delivery as major challenges threatening Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He urged the Judiciary to adopt practical and bold reforms to restore public trust. According to him, delayed or compromised justice undermines the legitimacy of the courts and weakens citizens’ confidence in the legal system. “Justice exists for the people, and their faith in the judicial process is the foundation of our national stability,” Tinubu said.
The President acknowledged that many Nigerians are frustrated by slow judgments, questionable conduct, and limited access to justice. He called on judges to honestly reflect on these concerns and take decisive actions to address them. “These perceptions, whether fully justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reform and restore confidence,” he added.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of technology in improving judicial operations. He said courts must adopt digital case management systems and modern infrastructure to make the judicial process more efficient, transparent, and accountable. He stressed that tangible support, not ceremonial gestures, is needed to strengthen the Judiciary.
Finally, the President encouraged judges to implement reforms that reduce court congestion, improve discipline, and make justice accessible and affordable. He expressed confidence that the conference would produce resolutions that uphold the Judiciary as the guardian of Nigeria’s democracy. “Each fair judgment strengthens the Republic; each courageous ruling preserves its soul,” he concluded.
