By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Nigerian judiciary to dispense justice swiftly, fairly and without regard to status, ethnicity or financial influence, warning that a compromised legal system poses a serious threat to democracy and national stability.
The President made the call on Monday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Court of Appeal Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s justice sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said Nigerians expect the judiciary to remain a beacon of hope and confidence, stressing that justice must not only be fair but also timely.
Addressing the justices who will occupy the new facility, the President said, “Nigeria asks one thing of you: let justice be swift. Let it be fair. Let it be blind to status, tribe, or purse. Let the common man feel that this Court is truly his last hope.”
He lamented the prolonged operation of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal from what he described as a cramped and temporary facility, noting that a nation committed to justice must provide dignified infrastructure for its courts.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it,” the President declared.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within the promised timeline. He noted that work commenced shortly after approval was granted in May 2024 and was completed within 16 months without delays or cost variations.
“You promised 16 months. You delivered in record time. No excuses. No variation. Just results,” the President said, praising Wike for aligning with the administration’s judicial reform agenda.
According to Tinubu, the state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance judicial efficiency, featuring two large courtrooms and eight additional court halls that will accelerate the hearing and determination of cases.
He said the development would strengthen the rule of law, improve access to justice, ease congestion in correctional facilities and deepen democratic governance.
“This is how you honour the judiciary. This is how you strengthen democracy,” he stated.
The President emphasized that the project reflects his administration’s broader commitment to institutional renewal, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on restoring the dignity of public institutions across sectors including justice, healthcare, education, transportation and power.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts in the FCT to build additional courts, provide suitable accommodation for judicial officers, digitise court processes and support legal education.
Acknowledging the heavy workload handled by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, including election petitions and constitutional matters, Tinubu assured judicial officers of continued government support.
“The eyes of Nigeria are on you. You deserve an environment that matches the weight of your responsibility. This complex is not a favour. It is your right. And we will do more,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the new complex as a major milestone in the administration of justice.
She recalled that the Abuja Division had operated with only two courtrooms for years, a situation that hindered the speedy dispensation of justice.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed optimism that the new facility would significantly improve case management and the timely resolution of disputes, noting that judicial infrastructure must reflect the importance of the institution it serves.
She thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and Minister Wike for prioritising investments in the justice sector, describing the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy and national stability.
In his remarks, Wike revealed that he had drawn the President’s attention to the poor condition of the court facility, prompting Tinubu’s approval for the construction of a befitting Court of Appeal complex and residential quarters for judges.
The FCT Minister further disclosed that similar interventions were being undertaken at the National Industrial Court, the Federal High Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, true judicial independence cannot be achieved without adequate infrastructure and conducive working conditions for judicial officers.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the new court building as a fitting golden jubilee gift to the judiciary and a significant achievement coinciding with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
Fagbemi maintained that no recent administration had provided as much support to the judiciary as the current government, citing substantial investments approved by President Tinubu since assuming office.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, said the project underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure an efficient and effective justice delivery system for all Nigerians.
The commissioning ceremony drew senior judicial officers, government officials and stakeholders in the justice sector, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise judicial infrastructure and strengthen the rule of law across the country.
