Prominent Figures: Tinubu, Akpabio, Ariwoola, Fagbemi Demand Justice For All

Leaders from various sectors of Nigerian governance converged in Abuja on Wednesday to champion the establishment of an efficient justice system aimed at ensuring equitable and swift dispensation of justice across the nation.

The two-day National Summit on Justice saw influential figures such as President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, alongside representatives from the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among others, addressing the imperative need for justice reform.

The summit, held in collaboration with the European Union-funded RoLAC II Programme of the International IDEA, opened with a resounding call for action. President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shetima, underscored his administration’s dedication to not only ensuring the functionality of Nigeria’s justice system but also aligning it with the aspirations of the populace. He emphasized collaborative efforts between the executive and judicial branches to tackle identified challenges in the sector, particularly addressing concerns regarding its responsiveness.

President Tinubu highlighted key initiatives undertaken since assuming office, including efforts to harmonize judicial officer retirement ages and prioritize judicial welfare. He disclosed significant increases in judicial funding and pending salary improvements for judges, stressing the need for a justice system that caters to all citizens.

Senate President Akpabio echoed the urgency for reform, acknowledging the prevalence of delays and backlogs in the courts that hinder timely justice delivery and erode public trust. He called for a reevaluation of interlocutory appeals in civil cases to expedite litigation processes and alleviate the burden on the judiciary.

The summit participants were urged to devise policies that address present shortcomings while anticipating future challenges, with a concerted focus on restoring public confidence in the justice system. President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to non-interference in judicial affairs and pledged continued collaboration with legal stakeholders to ensure democratic dividends for Nigerians.

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