Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said the National Assembly is taking steps to protect the judiciary from political interference to promote a fair and impartial justice system.

Apart from enhancing judicial autonomy, he said the steps would also ensure independence in decision-making, and shield judges from political pressure and intimidation, thereby allowing the judiciary to perform its constitutional duties more effectively.

He said the decision was a response to growing concerns about the judiciary’s vulnerability to external influences, which had led to instances of judicial decisions being swayed by political considerations rather than the law.

Kalu stated this at a two-day retreat by members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution and Speakers of the state Houses of Assembly, as well as members of the Judiciary in Lagos, at the weekend.

Kalu noted that the sectoral engagement was also intended to improve citizens’ access to justice and enhance public trust in the judiciary; expand the jurisdiction of certain courts to address contemporary challenges; clarify the powers and jurisdictions of judicial authorities as well as address electoral disputes and uphold the principle of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

The deputy speaker said: “As one of the three branches of the 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, upholding the constitution and ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected, and the freedom of individuals are guaranteed.”

The lawmaker expressed confidence that the sectoral engagement, which brought together practitioners, experts and legislators at the national and sub-national levels, would achieve positive results, noting that the House of Reps currently has 29 bills at various stages of consideration.

He noted that the leadership of the state Assemblies was also invited to the retreat. to ensure that “we are all on the same page in matters concerning our Federation and the Constitution that guides our nation.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, said the retreat would enable stakeholders in the justice sector to come together and engage with the parliament in the consideration of the provisions of the Constitution that require amendment to see the effective and efficient administration of justice in the country.