In a compelling address during the opening of the 6th Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu highlighted critical challenges facing Nigeria’s fight against corruption, calling for reforms to enhance judicial effectiveness.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu underscored that frivolous appeals and intimidation of judges are undermining anti-corruption efforts.
“The judiciary is central to the success of the anti-corruption efforts,” Tinubu stated, acknowledging the significant strides made in prosecuting corruption cases due to recent justice sector reforms.
However, he pointed out, “We are not oblivious to some challenges that continue to impede the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.”
The President emphasized that persistent issues such as “frivolous applications and appeals” delay trials and that judges often face intimidation from counsel, which can skew judicial outcomes.
He urged the judiciary to adopt a more fact-based approach, warning against judgments that rely on technicalities rather than substantive evidence.
Addressing the audience, Tinubu called corruption “Nigeria’s common enemy,” stressing its pervasive impact on the nation’s resources and prosperity.
“As an administration, we remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities,” he affirmed, noting improvements in judges’ welfare and remuneration.
Tinubu commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its relentless efforts in recovering misappropriated assets and tackling economic crimes, ensuring that the federal government would support the commission’s initiatives without interference.
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Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and calling for a unified effort among law enforcement and judicial officials.
She warned of the serious threats posed by economic crimes to both national and global economies.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau, added that periodic reviews of laws governing economic crimes and the establishment of a central database for law enforcement are crucial for adapting to the evolving complexities of financial crimes.
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