Rep. Benjamin, Deputy Speaker Unveils Judiciary Sectoral Engagement for Constitutional Review

Addressing a distinguished gathering of legal luminaries and stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker outlined key objectives, including the bolstering of judicial independence, enhancement of access to justice, and clarification of judicial authorities' powers and jurisdictions. Emphasizing the judiciary's role as a cornerstone of Nigeria's governance structure, he stressed its pivotal function in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding citizens' rights.

Reflecting on past legislative efforts, he noted the challenges faced in enacting comprehensive judicial reforms despite substantial amendments to the Constitution. Highlighting ongoing initiatives within the House, such as the consideration of 29 bills aimed at expediting justice dispensation and addressing electoral malpractices, the Deputy Speaker underscored the imperative of sustained reform efforts.

With the engagement set to include discussions on critical thematic areas like electoral reforms, fundamental rights, and governance, the Deputy Speaker extended invitations to state assembly leaders, affirming a collaborative approach towards achieving constitutional harmony.

The Deputy Speaker concluded by expressing gratitude to the judiciary's leadership and event facilitators for their dedication to promoting good governance in Nigeria. As the nation embarks on this journey of constitutional review, expectations are high for constructive dialogue and meaningful reforms that will strengthen Nigeria's judicial system and uphold its democratic principles

READ FULL SPEECH:

OPENING ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE DEPUTY SPEAKER AND CHAIRMAN, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA. 1999, AT THE SECTORAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 WITH THE JUDICIARY.

I bring you warm compliments from the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives.
Before we embark on the rich journey that this engagement promises, I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to my dear colleagues, the Honourable CJN and every one of you who has contributed to making this event a reality. Your support has been invaluable, and I'm grateful for your contributions.

This sectoral engagement with the Judiciary is intended to achieve the following objectives:
1. Strengthen the independence of the judiciary, shield the judiciary from political pressures and ensure that decisions made promote the common good;
2. Improve citizens' access to justice and enhance public trust in the judiciary;

3. Expansion of the jurisdiction of certain courts to address contemporary challenges;
4. Clarificationofthepowersandjurisdictionsofjudicialauthorities.
5. Address electoral disputes and uphold the principle of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

It is also the intentions 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.

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 shows the underlying commitment of the House to judicial reforms.

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.

Despite facing significant challenges, the judiciary's role in delivering justice and shaping society remains indispensable. 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 a mischief and create another.

It is apposite to reiterate that memoranda on the thematic areas have been received from the public/stakeholders and proposed Bills from Members of House of Representatives are being collated.

The thematic areas are hinged on the following:
1) The Federal structure and devolution of Powers
2) Independent Candidacy
3) Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation and Revenue Allocation
4) Legislature
5) Electoral Reforms
6) Local Government/Local Government Autonomy
7) Fundamental Human Rights
8)Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture
9) Judicial Reforms
10) Immunity
11) Gender and Vulnerable Groups
12) Devolution of Powers
13) State Creation
14) Traditional Institutions
15) Residency and Indigeneship
16) Governance

The Leadership of the State Assemblies have been invited to ensure that we are all on the same page in matters concerning our Federation and the Constitution that guides our nation. I am supremely confident that this college of leaders will superintend and guide us towards a more perfect union.

Finally, I would like to thank the Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon. Justice Ariwoola, my Lordships, other practitioners of the Supreme courts, courts of Appeal, Federal, State High Courts, and the very distinguished legal luminaries for finding time to be with us.

I equally thank the facilitators of this event, PLAC and our development partners. We do appreciate your efforts, from time immemorial in promoting good governance in Nigeria.