Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for stringent measures against judges abusing their authority in political cases, particularly through the misuse of ex parte orders.
Speaking at the National Summit on Justice in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized the need for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to intervene and curb the abuse of ex parte orders by judges.
“We recommend prompt and decisive punishment for erring judges who are found to be involved in this abuse,” Akpabio stated, highlighting the necessity for clear standards and sanctions established by the NJC to deter future violations.
He stressed the importance of regular audits and reviews of ex parte orders to ensure compliance and early detection of abuse patterns. Additionally, Akpabio advocated for ongoing training and education for judges to promote ethical and responsible use of judicial discretion.
In addressing delays and inefficiencies in civil cases, Akpabio proposed reforms in the process of interlocutory appeals, suggesting that appeals should only be pursued after the conclusion of substantive cases to expedite judicial processes and reduce backlog.
He also identified the requirement for the attorney general’s consent before executing judgments as a bottleneck in the justice system, proposing modifications to facilitate swifter execution and enhance efficiency.
Akpabio highlighted the commitment of the National Assembly to budgeting for judicial reforms, including the adoption of digital tools to manage cases effectively and ensure timely justice delivery.
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He called for support from all stakeholders, including the legislative, executive, and judiciary, to implement vital reforms aimed at building a justice system fit for the 21st century.
The National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment and the Committee on Amendment of the Electoral Act are working to integrate transformative justice reforms into ongoing amendments, ensuring that justice is accessible to every Nigerian.
Akpabio’s call for discipline among judges and reform in the justice system underscores the commitment to fostering trust and improving the efficiency of legal proceedings involving the government.
