AGC2021: NASS Working On Reducing Matters That Can Go On Appeal To The Supreme Court — Deputy Sen. President, Omo-Agege

*Says There Wouldn’t Be Meaningful Development Of Laws Without Collaboration Btw Lawyers & Lawmakers
*Says NASS Seeking To Alter Constitution For 3 Justices Of Supreme Court To Constitute Quorum In Interlocutory Appeals

The Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said that the National Assembly is in the process of constitutional reforms to bring changes that will meet the aspiration of the citizens.

He said this at the ongoing Annual Convention of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA which started on October 22 at Porthacourt to end on October 29. According to the Deputy Senate President, the NASS is also seeking to make three Justices of the Supreme Court to constitute a quorum in interlocutory appeals.

He added that they are also proposing devolution of powers by reducing the number of items in the exclusive list.

“The National Assembly is also in the process of concluding work on far-reaching proposals to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

“Some of the constitutional proposals include reforms of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by reducing subject matters in respect of which appeal lies to that court as of right and also enabling three justices of that court to form a quorum for the disposal of interlocutory applications in chambers amongst a host of other proposals. There are also proposals dealing with the devolution of powers from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list, State Police, compulsory savings of a minimum percentage of revenue accruing into the Federation Account for the raining day etc.

“There is no gainsaying that there can be no meaningful development of the laws of this country without active and progressive collaboration between the Bar and the Lawmakers. I hope this conference will lay the foundation for the bridge between the Nigerian” Omo-Agege said.

After thanking President Buhari and Osinbajo for good leadership and Governor Wike for hosting the event, the Deputy Senate President thanked the President of NBA, Mr. Olumide Akpata, for effective leadership. He also thanked the Conference Planning Committee for coming up with such a big event

“Let me also express my appreciation to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, and members of the National Executive Committee for providing effective leadership to the members of the Bar in the past one year. My appreciation also goes to the Chairman and members of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) who have no doubt worked tirelessly to ensure a memorable, fruitful, and fulfilling conference experience.

“The Legal Profession has always strived to take the lead in promoting and protecting human rights, the rule of law and good governance in Nigeria as well as promoting the welfare, security, economic, and professional advancement of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria.

“I wish on behalf of the Senate and indeed the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to thank the Nigerian Bar Association for organizing this years’ conference with the theme “Taking the Lead”.

This is indeed the era when legal practitioners ought to be at the forefront of the development of this nation for the benefit of all.

“This theme is also very significant as the National Assembly has taken the lead in enacting laws to give legal teeth to some of the provisions of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.

In this regard, our attention has been focused on the enthronement of the transparent free and fair electoral process as a precursor to good and accountable governance.”