President Tinubu on Monday cautioned judges across the country that no reform in the justice system can succeed if integrity is compromised.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute, Tinubu said the judiciary must pay close attention to how the public perceives its actions, stressing that the strength of the Bench lies in honour and fidelity to the constitution.
He explained that the theme of the conference reflects current concerns in the country, noting that confidence in the justice system remains central to democratic stability.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged public concerns about delays, integrity issues and access to justice. “These perceptions, whether wholly justified or not, cannot be ignored. They call upon us to reflect, to reform and to restore.
“Justice does not exist for the Bench or the Bar, it exists for the people,” he stated.
The President urged judges to always uphold the spirit of the law. He described judicial officers as the living custodians of justice.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu assured that his administration is committed to strengthening judicial welfare, independence and capacity.
“My administration believes that a Judiciary that is strong in capacity, efficient in processes and uncompromising in integrity is indispensable to the survival of our democracy.”
“Our courts must no longer be places where cases languish for years. They must become beacons of efficiency,” he noted.
He also commended the judiciary for its role during critical moments in Nigeria’s history.
“Whenever Nigeria has faced moments of uncertainty, the Judiciary stood firm as the stabilising force of our national life.
“It is through the courage of judges that tyranny has been restrained and constitutional order preserved,” Tinubu said.
The President pledged continued support for the National Judicial Institute and the modernisation of court processes.
He stressed that technology is now a necessity for timely and transparent justice.
“The digitisation of court processes and the adoption of integrated case management will receive sustained attention,” he added.
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, thanked Tinubu for his commitment to judicial development.
“We deeply appreciate your abiding commitment to the cause of justice. The temple of justice trembles where justice is denied. We must be a symbol of incorruptible honour,” she said.
She described the biennial conference as a platform for reflection and collaboration within the judiciary, urging judges to remain firm in upholding fairness and ethical principles.
The conference was attended by former and serving Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, heads of courts and judicial officers from across the country.
