𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐑𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐮 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

.........𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒆 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚'𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

By Iyke Mba

12/07/2024

The role of the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is of utmost importance in the ongoing process of constitutional review in Nigeria.

In his opening address at the sectoral engagement with the Judiciary, he outlined the objectives of the committee and the key thematic areas that will be addressed in the review process.

One of the primary objectives of the committee is to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and ensure that it is shielded from political pressures.

This is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that decisions made by the judiciary promote the common good.

By improving citizens' access to justice and enhancing public trust in the judiciary, the committee aims to create a more transparent and accountable judicial system.

The expansion of the jurisdiction of certain courts to address contemporary challenges, clarification of the powers and jurisdictions of judicial authorities, and addressing electoral disputes are also key objectives of the committee.

By upholding the principle of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria, the committee seeks to ensure that the democratic process is upheld and respected.

The thematic areas that will be addressed in the constitutional review process are wide-ranging and cover important aspects of governance in Nigeria.

From the federal structure and devolution of powers to electoral reforms, fundamental human rights, and judicial reforms, the committee aims to address key issues that will have a significant impact on the country's governance.

The engagement of the leadership of the state assemblies in the review process is also crucial to ensure that all levels of government are aligned in matters concerning the federation and the constitution.

By working together, the committee and the state assemblies can ensure a smooth and effective review process that will benefit all Nigerians.

Let me conclude by saying that the leadership of Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu in the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is commendable.

His dedication to ensuring a transparent and inclusive review process that addresses key issues in governance is vital to the future of Nigeria.

With the support of his colleagues, stakeholders, and legal luminaries, the committee is well-positioned to guide Nigeria towards a more perfect union through the constitutional review process.

See opening address below.

𝓘𝔂𝓴𝓮 𝓜𝓫𝓪

𝙎.𝙇.𝘼 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙃.𝙊.𝙍

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.

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