President Bola Tinubu has criticized the granting of frivolous applications and judgments based on technical grounds, stating that these actions are hindering the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking through Vice-President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Monday during a workshop organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Tinubu emphasized that judgments should be delivered based on the facts and merit of cases, rather than on technicalities.
“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 the ingredients that make the difference in the fight against corruption,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged improvements in the prosecution of corruption cases due to recent justice sector reforms but noted that challenges, such as delaying tactics by defense counsel and technical judgments, continue to obstruct the swift resolution of corruption cases.
The president further described corruption as a “cancer” depriving the nation of its resources and called on Nigerians to collectively combat corruption as a common enemy, rather than relying solely on anti-corruption agencies.
Tinubu also addressed the growing complexity of financial crimes, driven by advancements in technology, particularly the rise of cryptocurrency fraud, urging the judiciary to equip itself with the necessary knowledge to handle these emerging forms of crime.
He reassured that his administration is committed to supporting the judiciary, highlighting improvements made to the welfare of judges, including increased remuneration and the provision of official accommodation in the Federal Capital Territory.
