House of Representatives on Friday vowed to evolve strong measures that will shield the judiciary from political pressures and ensure its decisions are for the good of the citizenry and the development of the country.
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Chairman, Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, gave the assurance while delivering his opening remarks at the sectoral engagement of the panel with the judiciary in Lagos State, explained that judicial reform is one of the thematic areas the committee is empowered to work on.
Highlighting the appropriate objectives, Hon. Kalu, who doubles as Deputy Speaker underscored the importance of the judiciary in the democratic development of the country through the rule of law.
He said: “This sectoral engagement with the Judiciary is intended to achieve the following objectives: strengthen the independence of the judiciary, shield the judiciary from political pressures and ensure that decisions made promote the common good; improve citizens’ access to justice and enhance public trust in the judiciary.
“Expansion of the jurisdiction of certain courts to address contemporary challenges; clarification of the powers and jurisdictions of judicial authorities; address electoral disputes and uphold the principle of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. It is also the intention of the Committee to engage the leadership of the legislature at the sub-national levels early enough to ensure a smooth process.
“The Judiciary in Nigeria stands as a pillar of justice, tasked with upholding the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that the Constitution is accurately interpreted and applied. As one of the three branches of government, alongside the executive and the legislature, the judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power and fostering a just society.
“It plays a pivotal role in the administration of justice, interpretation of laws, and upholding the constitution ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected, and the freedom of individuals are guaranteed.”
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy speaker, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu recalled that over the years, the National Assembly has undertaken several amendments to the constitution aimed at reforming and strengthening the judiciary.
“In the 9th Assembly for instance, the House of Representatives voted on 10 judiciary bills, but only 3 met the Constitutional threshold and got Presidential assent which were not able to drive the expected judicial reform, envisaged at strengthening adjudication, seamless dispensation of justice, and boosting public confidence.
“This sectoral engagement which brings together practitioners, experts and legislators at the national and sub-national levels is therefore quite auspicious. Let me however mention that all the 10 bills passed in the House of Representatives which show the underlying commitment of the House to judicial reforms,” Hon. Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker also stated that 29 bills on quick dispensation of justice are at various stages of consideration in the parliament.
“Presently, there are 29 bills that are at various stages of consideration in the House, dealing with quick dispensation of justice; set time within which criminal causes and matters are heard and determined at trial in appellate courts, in order to eliminate delays in justice administration; establishment of electoral offences commission to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate offences relating to electoral offences in Nigeria; to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices for speedy and efficient justice delivery; procedure for removal of judicial officers to guarantee the independence of the Judiciary, among others,” he said.
Hon. Kalu added that despite facing significant challenges, the judiciary’s role in delivering justice and shaping society remained indispensable, stressing that its effectiveness dwells on the principles of independence, fairness, and integrity, which are crucial for sustaining public confidence in the legal system.
“As the beasts of burden in the dispensation of justice, it is most critical that we know from you what are the challenges, what mischiefs do we intend to cure in these amendments and how do we make them sustainable. It is also important to ensure that we do not inadvertently cure mischief and create another”, he added.
In his intervention, the minister of justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Lateef Fagbemi commended the committee and the development partners for their efforts aimed at giving Nigeria a people-oriented constitution.
Noting that no constitution is perfect, he however said that as the society grows, it further develops.
Contributing to the issues at the engagement, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN appealed to the committee to make amendments that will guarantee the independence of the judiciary and adequately protect it.
“As we go in this business, make decisions in this amendment to the constitution that will protect the judiciary because the judiciary that’s independent will impact the economy and security and the generality of the welfare of the proof this country.
“Hon. Deputy Speaker, I want us to amend the legal practitioner’s act, which I believe the Attorney General will make a presentation on that will not only recognize the place of globalization but it should be to the extent that legal space is protected and also in such a way that you will patronize the legal profession in a manner that will bring development through that legal profession,” he said.
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