To effectively rid Nigeria of financial crimes and general corruption, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD has urged Judges and heads of courts to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted.
Speaker Abbas made the call while delivering his goodwill message through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop For Justices and Judges themed “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes” on Monday in Abuja.
He acknowledged that corruption remained a major problem in the society, despite the commendable efforts of anti-corruption agencies, stressing that corruption is a disease that cripples the society and hinders development.
Underscoring the need for the enhancement of skills of judges for effective service delivery, Speaker Abbas however said that they must live above board.
He said: “Stakeholders, we must recognize our shared responsibility in the anti-graft war. The fight against corruption requires not only robust legislation but also a judiciary that is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of such cases. As justices and judges, you hold an indispensable role in combating this scourge. Your decisions set precedents that can either reinforce or dismantle corrupt systems. You are tasked with upholding justice and ensuring that those who engage in corrupt activities are held accountable under the law.
“This workshop serves as an opportunity for you to enhance your skills and knowledge so that you may better serve your communities. Capacity building is at the heart of this initiative. It is imperative that we equip ourselves with the latest tools and knowledge to effectively adjudicate cases involving financial malfeasance. This includes understanding emerging trends in financial crime, utilizing technology for investigations, and ensuring that our legal frameworks are responsive to new challenges.
“Competence must be at the forefront of our judicial endeavours. It encompasses not only legal knowledge but also an understanding of the socio-economic contexts within which we operate. As judges and justices, your ability to interpret laws effectively while considering their implications on society is crucial. Continuous education and capacity building are essential components in enhancing your competencies. Workshops like this one serve as platforms for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches to justice delivery.
“Integrity is perhaps the most critical value we must uphold as members of the judiciary. It embodies honesty, transparency, and accountability—qualities that are indispensable in fostering public confidence in our legal system. When citizens perceive judges as incorruptible stewards of justice, they are more likely to engage with legal processes positively”.
The Speaker who highlighted the importance of having a well remunerated judiciary also revealed that a bill was in the offing to ensure that only well qualified personnel are appointed to the bench.
“It is heart-warming to note that part of these initiatives includes improving the welfare of judges and justices. We recognize that a well-compensated judiciary is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified individuals who are committed to serving with integrity. This explains why we swiftly passed legislation to increase your remuneration by 300%. This significant adjustment reflects our commitment to ensuring that those who serve on the bench are adequately rewarded for their dedication and hard work.
“Moreover, we are equally exploring avenues to establish a more rigorous and transparent process for the selection and appointment of judges. The integrity of our judicial system hinges on having qualified individuals who possess not only legal expertise but also an unwavering commitment to justice. To this end, we are drafting legislation that will outline clear, detailed criteria and procedures designed to ensure that only the most qualified and competent individuals ascend to the bench”, Speaker Abbas said.