The House of Representatives has taken steps to safeguard judicial officers in Nigeria from unlawful removal by executive actions. On Thursday, lawmakers passed for a second reading a bill seeking to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. Sponsored by Rivers lawmaker Solomon Bob, the bill aims to prevent judicial officers from being prosecuted before they are lawfully removed from office.
Bob explained that the amendment seeks to modify Sections 20 and 24 of the existing law, ensuring that judicial officers cannot be arbitrarily prosecuted or dismissed. The proposed changes affirm that no judicial officer should face prosecution before removal in accordance with Section 292(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Several lawmakers supported the bill, highlighting past instances where judges were removed without following due process. Clement Uchenna (Imo State) urged colleagues to protect the judiciary, citing the controversial removal of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria. Patrick Umoh (Akwa Ibom) emphasized that judicial officers should perform their duties without interference, while Sada Soli (Katsina) called for upholding the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) role in judicial appointments and removals.
However, Lagos lawmaker Kalejaiye Paul cautioned against passing legislation that could contradict the constitution, arguing that judicial officers should remain accountable while being protected from undue influence.
Following a voice vote, the bill was referred to the House Committees on Anti-Corruption and Justice for further deliberation.
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