President Tinubu Commits to Judicial Reforms on Democracy Day

In a resounding address delivered on Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu expressed his unwavering dedication to further reforms within the judiciary. This marked his first speech on this significant occasion since assuming the presidency. Notably, President Tinubu recently assented to a constitutional amendment bill, ensuring uniformity in the retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers. This milestone achievement was announced by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladufnjoye, in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu assents to the constitutional amendment bill on uniformity in retirement age of judicial officers.’

With his constitutional authority derived from the 1999 Constitution, as amended, President Tinubu, at the State House, put pen to paper, giving his approval to the ‘Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.37), 2023.’ This enactment, presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly, represents a significant step towards aligning retirement age and pension rights across the judiciary.

During his address, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of curbing court orders that undermine democratic principles, firmly asserting that such actions would no longer be tolerated. “It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated,” he proclaimed. Furthermore, he emphasized that the recent harmonization of retirement age for judicial officers was intended to fortify the rule of law, a pivotal cornerstone of democracy. In his unwavering commitment to reform, President Tinubu conveyed that this harmonization was just the beginning of a larger transformation.

As President Tinubu ushers in a new era, his dedication to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and promoting democratic values shines through. With the signing of the constitutional amendment bill and his clarion call to end any manipulation of court orders, he demonstrates a strong resolve to ensure the rule of law prevails. As the reform efforts take flight, the nation eagerly anticipates the far-reaching impact they will have in strengthening democracy and fostering justice for all Nigerian citizens.