Lagos:  Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission boss,  Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that the integrity of the judiciary will go a long way to put pay to corruption in Africa.

Speaking at the Third National Judicial Conference of Liberia, Ribadu said: "The judiciary is central to good governance, rule of law and the survival of society as a whole. It is perhaps the most important arm of government. It is the judiciary that interprets the law; they set the tone for justice, equity, and the respect for the fundamental rights of citizens. For the judiciary to carry out this important function, it must be free from corruption. A corrupt judiciary will not function optimally and you need the judiciary to be at its very best for it to create the necessary impact," the former Anti graft czar stressed.

He commended the strategic plan of the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's government in fighting corruption, describing it as second to none in Africa while hoping that it would be fully put into practice.  "Now you are at the moment of great historical crossroads. More than ever before you need peace and security. And as a former president of the USA, Dwight Eisenhower, once said, "Peace is not the absence of war but the presence of justice".

According to him, "Peace and justice are two sides of the same coin." To cap it, Henry Louis Mencken concluded that "if you want lasting peace, then work for justice". So it is your responsibility to ensure justice. That is the only way you can ensure peace," Ribadu charged.

The former Police Officer opined that gone were the days when  national judiciaries did not pay attention to the trend in other countries, but that things have changed, as there are international standards to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary.

"Today, the independence of the judiciary, its integrity, accountability, etc., are all international standards to ensure a democratic order, rule of law, and political stability. It is important that you keep up with these global trends if you are to remain relevant," he charged.

He emphasised that the impunity of corruption could only come to an end if the judiciary is challenged towards greater internal purification to help develop a new ethical framework that will strengthen democracy.  He concluded by saying that; "though judicial independence entails separation of power, it should not mean lack of cooperation with the other arms of government."