President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration cannot be accused of protecting any individual or group from legal consequences due to political affiliation or obstructing crime investigations. Speaking at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized that a corruption-free Nigeria is achievable if everyone commits to ethical conduct in their roles. He urged the judiciary to remain steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible, warning that societal breakdown begins when those interpreting laws become compromised.
Tinubu highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions to strengthen judicial independence. He addressed public concerns over delayed adjudication in high-profile corruption cases compared to swift resolutions in cybercrime matters, defending his government’s non-interference in judicial and anti-graft agency operations. He noted that the EFCC has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered more than N500 billion in assets in the first two years of his administration, with proceeds directed to social investment programs like student loans and consumer credit schemes.
The president stressed the need for judicial officers to adapt to technological advancements, such as blockchain analysis in financial crime cases, to remain relevant in the digital age. He reminded judges that corruption affects everyone equally, as they share the same public infrastructure as citizens.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasized the judiciary’s role in Nigeria’s growth and stability, urging judges to use constitutional tools decisively and maintain public trust by ensuring timely and impartial justice. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, called for a collective effort from the legislature, citizens, and judiciary to combat corruption. NJI Administrator B.A. Adejumo underscored the importance of tackling corruption for national development, while EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede highlighted the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the commission’s mandate, noting 4,111 convictions and significant asset recoveries.
In a related development, Tinubu approved a new auditorium for the Nigerian Law School’s Abuja Campus to enhance legal education infrastructure. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the approval during the flag-off of a 600-capacity student hostel in Bwari, Abuja. Wike assured completion of the hostel within 12 months and praised Tinubu’s responsiveness to infrastructure needs. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi commended the administration’s interventions in legal education, including ongoing digitization of FCT High Courts, describing them as reflections of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigerian Law School Director-General, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, expressed gratitude for the support.
