Constitution amendment: NASS moves to quicken dispensation of Justice

Worried by the delay in the dispensation of justice in the country, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has assured that the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution would address all grey areas to promote quick dispensation of justice.This is in conformity with the judicial reform being championed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher.Receiving the proposed judicial amendment to the constitution from Justice Musdapher in his office on Tuesday, Senator Mark said, "Anything we can do to deliver justice swiftly without delay is welcome. Justice delayed is justice denied."The three arms of government are important, we must work together to promote democracy and deliver dividends to our people."Senator Mark assured that the constitutional amendment would be done with dispatch to correct all the grey areas in the 1999 Constitution, in an open, honest and transparent manner.Deputy President of the Senate and chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Ike Ekweremadu assured that, "We will do our best not to disappoint Nigerians. We will bring about changes that would reflect on the dynamics of the society.'Presenting the about 47 amendments on judicial reforms, Justice Musdapher said the proposed amendment were borne out of the reform process and are expected to address many serious issues affecting the judiciary today.The proposed amendment includes that the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court has been altered by providing appeals from the court of appeal on interlocutory decisions and other matters shall only be by leave of the Supreme Court.Other proposals are: The composition of the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Commission has also been altered to ensure greater balance.*The process of removal of judicial officers has been streamlined to ensure a greater degree of fairness.*The old section 295 regarding reference on questions of law has been deleted as it has been identified as a means to stall the swiftness of the trial process.*The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court was also expanded to include an advisory jurisdiction on application by the President of a governor on questions of law or fact that are of such importance that it is expedient to obtain an opinion of the Supreme Court on it, among others.He added that despite the separation of powers, it is imperative that the National Assembly and the judiciary work in harmony for the common good of Nigeria.
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