By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that justice is served timely in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Chairman House committee on FCT Judiciary, Rep. Adamu Gamawa gave the assurance during a public hearing on two bills on Wednesday in Abuja.
The first proposed law is a constitutional amendment, which seeks to expand the number of judges serving in the Federal Capital Territory.
The second proposal focuses on creating lower courts within the FCT, Abuja, granting them authority to handle both civil and criminal cases.
The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the House of Representatives to ensuring that justice is not only within reach but guaranteed for everyone, regardless of social or economic status.
“It is the vision of the Hon. Speaker that access to justice is made available and affordable to all and sundry in the FCT.
“Such that no one would have any reason to take the laws into their hands as justice would be timely,” he said.
Rep. Gamawa, while emphasising the dedication of the 1oth House to an efficient judiciary, noted that a stronger judicial system is crucial for rebuilding public trust in the courts.
He explained that, in line with this vision, the two proposed bills being considered would undergo thorough scrutiny.
According to him, the public hearing provides an avenue for open dialogue, exchange of ideas, and constructive debate, all aimed at producing the most effective legislation to achieve the intended objectives.
The committee chairman stressed that the ultimate goal is to make justice quicker and easier to access while easing the heavy workload currently borne by judges.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, described the public hearing as an essential step toward advancing judicial reforms.
The Speaker wo was represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, reaffirmed the House commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair justice delivery.
Abbas added that reforms in the judicial sector are not only important but also urgently needed.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, expressed the association’s support for the proposed law.
He however, urged a review of the customary law provisions, specifically calling for the removal of Section 16 from the principal Act.
