Nigeria’s Judiciary Needs Critical Reforms – Tinubu

 

President Bola Tinubu has advocated for critical reformes to be carried out in the country’s judiciary.

 

Tinubu spoke at the National Summit on Justice on Wednesday in Abuja, the President called on the judiciary to commence a reform of the justice sector and be accountable to the people.

 

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shetimma at the summit, emphasised the urgency for policy innovation and legislative action to create a justice system that serves current citizens and future generations.

 

While declaring open the national summit, the President affirmed his administration’s pledge to remain impartial and adhere to constitutional principles.

 

He said: “I accordingly urge the leadership of all justice sector institutions to seek a new direction and focus on outcomes by creating a justice system that truly responds to the needs of our citizens – one that serves Nigerians now and for generations to come.”

The President said much could be achieved when the executive, legislative, and judiciary institutions unite to acknowledge their challenges and brainstorm solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

 

He further urged the judiciary to align its activities within the tenets of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly as they relate “to the priorities on inclusivity, fairness, rule of law, and anti-corruption stance, among other things.”

 

He explained that the Federal Government was determined to implement its policies and promises to Nigerians for a renewed hope through the instrumentality of the “law and the dictates of justice to create opportunities for our people”.

Tinubu then outlined the preliminary measures he had taken to reposition the judiciary to support a just and rules-based Nigeria.

 

He said his administration prioritised funding for the third arm of government, doubling it in the Renewed Hope budget 2024 compared to last year’s budget.

 

He said: “Other efforts to reposition the judiciary include a full complement of 21 Justices of the Supreme Court as required by law for the first time after many years and his approval of “a substantial increase in the salaries and emoluments of judges, which is currently undergoing legislative action.