VP Shettima urges judiciary to uphold justice, resist blackmail
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigeria’s judiciary to maintain its independence and resist blackmail, emphasizing that justice must not be compromised for selfish interests.
Speaking at the inaugural Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role in safeguarding democracy and warned against any manipulation of the legal system.
“Laws are not mere technicalities; they are the scaffolding of civilization. Without laws, there is no order. Without order, there is no society,” Shettima stated. “Every time justice is delayed or institutions waver in the face of blackmail, we erode the very foundation of our nation.”
He dismissed the notion that justice should favor those with the loudest voices, asserting that it must remain impartial. He also commended the judiciary for standing firm in upholding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral mandate despite political pressure.
“The judiciary understood that the fate of a nation is too sacred to be intimidated or compromised,” he said.
The Vice President reassured legal practitioners of President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering harmony among the three arms of government while stressing the legal profession’s unique responsibility in upholding justice.
“You, my lords, are not just interpreters of the law; you are custodians of justice,” he noted. “The expectations are high, and the temptations are many, but I urge you to remain steadfast.”
