President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday urged Nigeria’s judiciary to remain “steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible,” warning that society collapses when justice is compromised.
Speaking at the opening of an EFCC–National Judicial Institute workshop in Abuja, Mr. Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said his administration was committed to improving judges’ welfare and protecting judicial independence.
“We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary,” he said. “We owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience.”
Addressing delays in high-profile corruption cases, the president said: “There is consternation over decisions of courts in serious corruption matters that engender feelings that society is being left with the wrong end of the stick.”
Mr. Tinubu stressed that his administration does not shield any political actors from investigation. “We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers,” he said.
He disclosed that the EFCC secured more than 7,000 convictions and recovered over ₦500 billion in his first two years, adding that the funds were redirected into social programs such as student loans and consumer credit schemes.
On judicial capacity, he urged judges to adapt to digital-era crimes. “Learning and relearning is no longer a buzz phrase but an essential undertaking for continued relevance,” he said.
Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun called on judges to ensure justice is “neither delayed nor partial,” while Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged continued legislative support for the anti-corruption fight.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede praised the judiciary’s role, saying its cooperation made possible “4,111 convictions and massive asset recoveries.”
