Reps task constitutional review committee to address delay in justice delivery

The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the House Committee on Constitutional Review to permanently address the delay in justice delivery in the country in a bid to restore the confidence of the common man in the judiciary.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled, ‘The Need to Review Nigeria’s Justice and Judicial System in Order To Restore Public Trust in the Judiciary and Address the Delay in Providing Justice’ sponsored by Hon Ganiyu Adele Ayuba at the Plenary session presided by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

While adopting the motion, the House directed the committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu to turn in its report within four weeks for further legislative action

The House noted that the Judiciary ” is the branch of government constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of prompt dispensation of justice and interpreting the laws made by the legislature.

“Powers are constitutionally vested in various categories of courts legally created by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts of the National Assembly, and the laws of different State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.”

The House said it was” aware that one of the elements of fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is the prompt determination of any civil rights and obligations of any person or authority within reasonable time by court or tribunal established by law.

“We aware that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) introduced provisions for quick dispensation of justice, establishing a time frame for election matters, and making the Court of Appeal the final court (in some cases) to hear appeals.

“The delays in the judicial system call for concern and gradually undermining the public’s trust in the judiciary.

“In some states, cases in trial courts that should be resolved within months last four to five years before judgement is delivered especially long-term detentions of suspects, prolonged chieftaincy disputes, and unresolved commercial litigation, which pose significant challenges to democratic and economic progress.

“The public’s confidence in the court system may be damaged if immediate action is not taken to address the backlog in the justice system and administration, which could force people to decide to take law into their hands.”

When It was put into voice vote, it was unanimously supported by members.

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