First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has underscored the critical role of the judiciary in sustaining the rule of law and strengthening democratic governance, describing the institution as the cornerstone of justice, fairness and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Mrs. Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday at the opening of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) African Regional Conference in Abuja, themed “Promoting Excellence in the Administration of Justice.”
The First Lady noted that women judges continue to make significant contributions to the justice system by bringing broader perspectives and deeper understanding to judicial decision-making.
“The presence of women on the Bench adds value to the judicial system by broadening perspectives and deepening understanding in the dispensation of justice,” she said.
According to her, women across Africa have overcome longstanding barriers within the legal profession and have, through resilience and excellence, created pathways for future generations.
Mrs. Tinubu said her experiences had given her a clear understanding of the challenges women encounter in their pursuit of leadership positions, reaffirming her commitment to initiatives that promote equal opportunities for women and girls.
“I remain committed to initiatives that promote equitable access to opportunities for women and girls and strengthen our democracy,” she stated.
The First Lady also commended the International Association of Women Judges for its sustained efforts in advancing judicial excellence, gender equality and access to justice across the continent.
CJN Calls for Excellence and Public Trust
Speaking at the conference, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the administration of justice as a fundamental pillar of societal stability and democratic governance.
She said the judiciary plays a unique role in society, deriving its authority not from political power or financial control but from public confidence in its impartiality, integrity and adherence to the law.
“The judiciary occupies a unique position within democratic governance. Unlike the Executive, it commands no army. Unlike the Legislature, it controls no public purse. Yet its authority derives from the confidence of the people in its impartiality, integrity and fidelity to the law,” she said.
The Chief Justice stressed the need for judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in order to maintain public trust.
She added that achieving excellence in the justice sector requires continuous efforts to improve efficiency and accessibility while safeguarding the independence of the courts.
Technology Must Not Replace Human Judgment
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the opportunities presented by digital transformation in the justice sector but cautioned against allowing technology to overshadow the human element of judicial decision-making.
“Behind every case file is a human story; behind every legal dispute are individuals, families, communities and institutions whose lives may be profoundly affected by judicial decisions,” she said.
While acknowledging the benefits of technology in enhancing efficiency, she maintained that compassion, wisdom and sound judgment must remain at the core of the administration of justice.
The conference also featured goodwill messages and presentations from representatives of the Chief Justice of Kenya, the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, and other judicial leaders and stakeholders from across Africa.
Participants at the gathering emphasized the importance of strengthening judicial institutions, promoting gender inclusion within the legal profession and enhancing access to justice as key drivers of democratic development across the continent.
