President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday charged judges across the country to uphold the highest standards of integrity, insisting that no judicial reform can succeed if the moral foundation of the Bench is compromised.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, the President emphasized that the legitimacy and strength of the judiciary depend on public confidence and faithful interpretation of the Constitution.
Tinubu said the theme of the biennial conference, “Building a Confident Judiciary,” was timely, reflecting growing public concern over delays, questions of integrity, and challenges in accessing justice.
“Confidence is the lifeblood of justice,” he said. “A judgment may be grounded in law, but unless the public perceives it as fair and untainted, its moral authority is weakened.”
He added that citizens’ frustrations must not be dismissed, as they present an urgent call for reflection, reform, and restoration of trust.
The President stressed that the judiciary’s strength lies not in infrastructure but in the character of the men and women who interpret the law. He reiterated that judicial welfare, training, and independence are non-negotiable essentials.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, noting that a strong, efficient, and incorruptible judicial system is indispensable to democracy and national stability.
“Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years,” he stated. “They must become beacons of efficiency where disputes are resolved swiftly, and litigants leave with renewed confidence in the rule of law.”
He praised the judiciary for its historic role in safeguarding constitutional order during difficult periods in Nigeria’s political development.
On reforms, the President pledged sustained support for the National Judicial Institute, as well as continuous modernization of judicial infrastructure. He said technology, including digitised court processes and integrated case management systems, is now essential for transparency and efficiency.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, thanked the President for his support, noting that the conference provides a crucial platform for judges to strengthen professional ethics and advance justice delivery.
“Where justice is denied, the temple of justice trembles,” the CJN said, urging judicial officers to remain symbols of honour and integrity.
The conference was attended by former and serving Chief Justices, Justices of appellate courts, heads of courts, and judges from across the country.
