ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption, declaring that “justice must never be for sale” during the opening of the All-Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja.
Tinubu told the gathering on November 17, 2025, that the judiciary carries a unique responsibility as the guardian of fairness and stability in Nigeria. He warned that corruption in any arm of government weakens the nation, but corruption in the judiciary “destroys it at its core.”
The president emphasized that Nigerians are frustrated by delays in court cases and concerns about judicial integrity. He said reforms cannot succeed without uncompromising honesty from those who sit on the Bench.
“Justice must never be for sale, and the Bench must never become a sanctuary for compromise,” Tinubu said, urging judges to resist external pressures and internal temptations.
The conference, themed “Building a Confident Judiciary,” brought together judges from across Nigeria’s superior courts. Tinubu said confidence in the judiciary is essential for democracy, economic growth, and national unity.
He acknowledged that the judiciary faces challenges, including heavy caseloads and limited resources, but insisted that discipline and integrity must remain non‑negotiable. “Without trust in the courts, citizens lose faith in the rule of law,” he added.
Legal analysts noted that Tinubu’s remarks reflect growing public concern about corruption and inefficiency in Nigeria’s justice system. The judiciary has often been accused of delays, favoritism, and political influence in high‑profile cases.
Judicial leaders at the conference welcomed Tinubu’s call, pledging to uphold integrity while urging the government to provide better funding, training, and infrastructure. The Chief Justice of Nigeria reportedly assured that reforms would be pursued to restore public confidence.
Opposition figures also responded, saying Tinubu’s words must be matched with action. They argued that judicial independence must be protected from political interference, warning that speeches alone will not solve systemic problems.
Rights groups echoed similar concerns, stressing that judges must be shielded from pressure by politicians and wealthy elites. “Justice cannot be for sale, but it also cannot be manipulated by those in power,” one activist said.
Public reactions were mixed. Many Nigerians praised Tinubu for confronting corruption in the judiciary, while others expressed skepticism, noting that past administrations made similar promises without meaningful change. Social media users debated whether the president’s warning would translate into reforms or remain rhetoric.
For now, Tinubu’s appeal underscores the belief that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a judiciary that is fair, fearless, and incorruptible. Whether his warning leads to lasting change remains uncertain, but the message has reignited national debate about justice and accountability.
