Bola Tinubu has highlighted several key obstacles hindering the fight against corruption, including frivolous appeals, alleged intimidation of judges by lawyers, and rulings based on technicalities.
He emphasized that unless these issues are addressed, they will continue to obstruct the swift resolution of corruption cases.
Tinubu made these remarks on Monday while inaugurating the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)/National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja.
Tinubu, represented Kashim Shettima, noted that reforms in the justice sector over recent years have significantly improved the prosecution of corruption cases.
He further described the workshop as a critical platform for uniting efforts against Nigeria’s common adversary—corruption.
Tinubu said, ” 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.
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” Though I am aware that prosecution of corruption matters has improved in the light of the justice sector reforms in the last few years.
”We are not oblivious to some challenges that continue to impede the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.
“They include frivolous applications and appeals, meant to delay the trial, intimidation of judges by counsel, and judgment based not on the facts of cases but on technicalities.”
He stated that no Nigerian is immune to corruption, a cancer that relentlessly deprives the nation of fully reaping the benefits of its God-given resources.
Tinubu called on the judiciary to ensure that courts are adequately equipped with the necessary expertise to address cases involving these evolving forms of crime.
“As an administration, we remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities.
“One of the major actions of the government within the first year of my administration was improving the welfare of judges across the board 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,” he stated.
Tinubu assured that his administration, through strategic investments, has successfully recovered proceeds of corruption from critical social programs. He emphasized that efforts have been made to alleviate the pressures that drive vulnerable Nigerians toward corrupt practices.
Tinubu commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its steadfast dedication to combating economic and financial crimes, particularly in tracking and reclaiming stolen assets.
He pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for the commission, ensuring it can fulfill its mandate without obstruction.
He also expressed gratitude to the leadership of both the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the EFCC for organizing the annual workshop for prosecutors and judicial officers.
Tinubu voiced optimism that the seminar would address the challenges hindering the fight against corruption.
Earlier, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, praised the leadership of anti-corruption agencies for their dedication and cooperation with the judiciary in tackling economic and financial crimes.
She urged law enforcement agencies to view judicial officers as partners in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to the cause through capacity-building initiatives for judges, justices, and prosecutors.
Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted that economic and financial crimes pose significant threats to both national and global economies and must be addressed collectively by all stakeholders.
In a related address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau, commended the collaboration between anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary.
“It is incumbent on us all as stakeholders to adopt and implement pragmatic solutions that will help address challenges confronting our country, including financial crimes,” he said.
Akpabio also called for regular updates to laws concerning economic crimes and the establishment of a centralized database accessible to law enforcement agencies.
He emphasized that the evolving nature of financial crimes necessitates continuous adjustments to the legal framework.
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