2 hours Ago By Idongesit Ashameri
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to embrace and support sweeping reforms aimed at ensuring faster justice delivery and tackling corruption within the system. Speaking through Justice Adamu Ajeoro of the Supreme Court at the 37th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the CJN highlighted the critical need for transparency in the judiciary. The workshop, themed “Addressing Corruption in the Judiciary and Providing Effective Strategies for Transparency and Accountability,” was organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission.
It sought to bring solutions to deep-rooted challenges in Nigeria’s justice system. “The judiciary is ready to partner with HEDA towards achieving meaningful reforms,” Kekere-Ekun declared, emphasizing that key priorities include swift justice delivery and a strict anti-corruption stance. These reforms, she noted, are essential for restoring faith in the judiciary as the beacon of hope for the common man.
However, the scale of corruption within the system loomed large over the event. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, expressed grave concern about the judiciary’s growing involvement in corrupt practices. According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) 2024 Corruption Survey, judicial officers received a significant portion of the N721 billion paid as bribes to public officials in 2023.
“This is deeply worrying,” Suraju said, “given the judiciary’s role as the stabilizing force in our democracy and the protector of citizens, especially the vulnerable.” Suraju’s remarks sparked renewed urgency among stakeholders at the workshop, who recognized the immense task ahead to root out these problems. Also speaking at the event, Danilo Campisi, the UNODC Country Representative, represented by Princess Chiferio, urged the resource persons to focus on recommendations that resonate with the experiences and perceptions of ordinary citizens.
“The progress of any government is reflected in the experiences of its people. Our strategies must aim to uplift the lives of citizens by making justice accessible and corruption intolerable.” She said Prof.
Shehu Abdullahi, chairman of the occasion, commended HEDA, the UNODC, and the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission for spearheading the fight against judicial corruption. As recommendations are finalized, the CJN’s pledge to support reforms signals a turning point in the battle for a transparent and efficient justice system in Nigeria..
