Judiciary Remains Strong Despite Criticism, Says Justice Adejumo

The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has assured Nigerians that the judiciary remains strong despite increasing public criticism, emphasising that perceptions of corruption and inefficiency often do not reflect reality.

Justice Adejumo said this on Monday during the opening section of a sensitisation seminar for Justices of the Court of Appeal organised in Lagos by NJI in collaboration with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The seminar, titled: “Enhancing the Efficacy of Bank Liquidation and Depositors’ Protection,” brought together judicial officers and financial sector stakeholders to discuss the legal and regulatory issues surrounding distressed financial institutions.

In his keynote speech at the event, Justice Adejumo explained that many Nigerians confuse perception with reality, especially when court judgments do not meet their expectations.

He pointed out that court delays and case backlogs are often misunderstood, with the public unaware of the volume of cases courts handle daily.

Despite criticism, Justice Adejumo affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to accountability and reform, dismissing claims of systemic failure.

He further disclosed that judicial officers continue to undergo regular training through institutions such as the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Judicial Commission (FJC).

He also emphasised the importance of judges keeping up to date with financial laws and banking operations to handle emerging cases effectively.

Adejumo highlighted the need for judges to grasp technical banking issues and depositors’ concerns to make informed decisions, reinforcing the importance of continuous education through conferences and seminars.

He praised the partnership between the judiciary and NDIC, noting its positive impact on the country’s financial and legal systems, and called on judges, NDIC staff, and the media to engage in open discussions to identify and address issues.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, Thompson Sunday, said the seminar was part of the corporation’s broader strategy to engage the judiciary and deepen collaboration on financial sector matters.

Sunday, who was represented at the event by the executive director, Corporate Services, Mrs Chidinma Osuji, also said effective judicial decisions remain critical to resolving failed banks and sustaining confidence in the country’s financial system.

He also maintained that the increasing complexity of financial transactions necessitates closer engagement by regulators and the judiciary.

The MD expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, and all participants for their support of the initiative.