President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over challenges hindering the fight against corruption in Nigeria, citing frivolous appeals, the intimidation of judges by lawyers, and judgments based on technicalities rather than facts.
Tinubu identified these issues as major barriers to the swift adjudication of corruption cases in the country.
Speaking during the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s fight against corruption cannot succeed without a strong judiciary.
The event, held at the National Judicial Institute, was attended by top judicial officers, legal professionals, and government officials. Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the need for reform in Nigeria’s judicial system to speed up corruption trials.
Frivolous Appeals and Intimidation of Judges: Key Issues
Tinubu noted that although the prosecution of corruption cases has improved in recent years, certain challenges continue to slow down progress.
He said, “Though I am aware that prosecution of corruption matters has improved in the light of justice sector reforms, there are still challenges impeding the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.”
Among these challenges, Tinubu cited frivolous applications and appeals that lawyers often use to delay trials. He added that judges are sometimes intimidated by legal counsel, leading to rulings that favor technicalities rather than the facts of the case.
“These frivolous applications and appeals are tactics employed to delay the trial,” Tinubu explained. “This does not serve the course of justice. It is also troubling that some judgments are given based not on the facts of the case but on technicalities.”
Corruption is a “Cancer” that Denies Nigeria Progress
The president described corruption as a “cancer” that continues to rob Nigeria of its potential and the benefits of its abundant natural resources.
“No Nigerian is immune to corruption. It is a cancer that continues to deny our nation the full benefits of her God-given resources,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized the need for continuous vigilance and commitment from all branches of government, especially the judiciary, in combating the menace of corruption.
According to Tinubu, corruption is a major threat to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability, and it requires a united front to tackle.
Judiciary’s Role in Anti-Corruption Efforts
Tinubu praised the judiciary for its efforts in the fight against corruption, describing judicial officers as key players in the success of anti-corruption efforts. He urged judges to maintain their commitment, courage, and patriotism in handling corruption cases.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that the judiciary is central to the success of the anti-corruption efforts. The commitment, courage, and patriotism of judicial officers are ingredients that make the difference in the fight against corruption,” the president said.
Improving the Welfare of Judges
Tinubu also used the opportunity to highlight his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of judges. He said that one of the major actions taken in his first year in office was increasing the remuneration of judicial officers across the board.
“We remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities,” Tinubu stated. “One of the major actions of my administration was improving the welfare of judges with an increase in their remuneration. Official accommodation is also being provided for various categories of judicial officers in highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory.”
The president reassured the judiciary that his administration would continue to support them in their duties, recognizing the importance of a strong and independent judiciary in the fight against corruption.