President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday called on Nigeria’s judiciary to recommit to integrity, speed, and public trust as he delivered the keynote address at the 2025 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference in Abuja. Speaking before hundreds of judges, justices, legal scholars, and senior government officials, the President pledged his administration’s support for modernizing the courts and tackling long-standing problems of delay, inefficiency, and limited access to justice across the country.
Tinubu emphasized that the judiciary remains central to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy and must reflect the highest ethical standards in both conduct and judgment. “Our courts must operate with integrity, impartiality, and technological efficiency,” he said, reaffirming the government’s promise to invest in digital reforms, including automated case-management systems, e-filing processes, and infrastructure upgrades, to reduce case congestion and improve transparency.He also called for renewed cooperation between the executive and judicial arms of government, noting that reforms must prioritize ordinary Nigerians who often struggle to access fair and timely justice.
Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun Calls for Ethical Renewal
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motomori Kekere-Ekun, in her remarks, echoed Tinubu’s concerns about systemic challenges and underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to maintain public confidence. She described the 2025 conference as a crucial moment for reflection, especially at a time when Nigerians are increasingly demanding accountability and efficiency in court operations.
Kekere-Ekun highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce ethical compliance, strengthen disciplinary systems for judicial officers, and ensure that courts at all levels remain accessible to citizens regardless of socioeconomic status. She also stressed the need for judicial officers to remain insulated from political pressure, reminding them that “the legitimacy of our democracy rests on the independence and credibility of our courts.” In other news, iNaijanow shared a story on the federal government’s suspension of NIHOTOUR’s activities nationwide.
Partisan Anthem Sparks Controversy
Despite the focus on integrity and institutional reform, the conference drew negative public reactions after a video surfaced showing many attendees rising to sing the political anthem “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” as President Tinubu entered the hall. The song, long associated with Tinubu’s political campaigns, has no official status in government functions.
The incident quickly trended on social media, with lawyers, civil society groups, and opposition parties questioning the propriety of judges participating, whether willingly or by protocol in a partisan display. Critics argued that the gesture undermined the judiciary’s claim to neutrality.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) did not issue an official statement as of press time, but several senior lawyers, including former NBA officials, described the moment as “unfortunate” and “symbolically damaging.” They urged the judiciary to reinforce guidelines for public ceremonies to avoid any perception of political bias.
Commitments to Reform
In his speech, Tinubu acknowledged these challenges and insisted that Nigeria’s judicial system must evolve to meet the demands of a modern democracy. He referenced ongoing constitutional amendments seeking to decentralize certain judicial responsibilities and strengthen the autonomy of state judiciaries. The government, he said, is committed to completing the long-delayed National Judicial Institute expansion project and increasing budgetary allocation to courts nationwide. He also reiterated support for the proposed Judicial Information Technology Policy (JITPO), designed to modernize the administration of justice through digital transformation.
A Conference Overshadowed, but Momentum Continues
The All Nigeria Judges’ Conference held once every two years serves as the largest gathering of judicial officers in the country. This year’s theme focused on “Justice Delivery in a Changing Democracy.” While the meeting was intended to spotlight urgent reforms and cooperation between government and the judiciary, the partisan anthem episode shifted much of the public discourse. Still, participants expressed optimism that the renewed commitments announced at the conference could help reposition Nigeria’s justice system for greater independence, efficiency, and public credibility.
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