The House of Representatives has pledged to develop robust measures to safeguard the judiciary from political influences and ensure its decisions benefit citizens and foster national development.
Chairman of the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, affirmed this commitment during his opening remarks at the committee’s sectoral engagement with the judiciary in Lagos State. He emphasized that judicial reform is a key focus area empowered by the committee.
Hon. Kalu, who also serves as Deputy Speaker, underscored the judiciary’s vital role in democratic governance and the rule of law. He stated, “This sectoral engagement aims to achieve several objectives: strengthening judicial independence, protecting the judiciary from political pressures, and ensuring decisions uphold the public good.”
He further outlined the committee’s intentions to expand court jurisdictions to tackle modern challenges, clarify judicial powers and jurisdictions, resolve electoral disputes, and uphold the principles of free and fair elections in Nigeria. Additionally, the committee plans early engagements with legislative leaders at sub-national levels to facilitate a smooth process.
Highlighting the judiciary’s pivotal role as a pillar of justice, Hon. Kalu stressed its responsibilities in interpreting laws, safeguarding constitutional rights, and ensuring individual freedoms. He acknowledged past efforts by the National Assembly to amend the constitution aimed at enhancing judicial effectiveness, lamenting challenges in achieving comprehensive reform despite passing numerous bills.
Hon. Kalu disclosed that 29 bills aimed at expediting justice delivery are currently under consideration in the House. These bills address issues such as the timely resolution of criminal cases, the establishment of an electoral offenses commission, and procedural safeguards for the removal of judicial officers to preserve judiciary independence.
Despite acknowledging existing challenges, Hon. Kalu reiterated the judiciary’s critical role in shaping society and delivering justice. He emphasized the need for inputs from stakeholders to identify and address current shortcomings effectively while avoiding unintended consequences in the reform process.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, also contributed to the engagement, highlighting the importance of amendments that ensure judicial independence and support legal profession development in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Hon. Kalu reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at creating a people-oriented constitution that strengthens judicial integrity and responsiveness to societal needs.
