The House of Representatives on Thursday began the process of protecting judicial officers from prosecution while in office, passing for a second reading a bill seeking to amend the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act.
The bill, sponsored by Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), was initially scheduled for debate on Wednesday but was deferred following arguments by lawmakers that copies had not been circulated to them, making them unfamiliar with the provisions.
On Wednesday, a member of the House, Clement Jimbo, argued that the bill conflicted with the constitution as it seeks to confer indirect immunity on judiciary officers not covered by the provision of Section 308. The debate for the second reading was postponed to allow members to review copies of the bill.
However, leading the debate, Bob stated that the bill targets the Code of Conduct Tribunal in light of the fate suffered by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, who was later found innocent of the allegations against him.
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He explained that the law seeks to protect judicial officers from distraction and political interference while performing their responsibilities, suggesting that they should be investigated by the National Judicial Council and removed from office before being subjected to trial.
Contributing to the debate, Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) said there is a justification for the call to insulate judicial officers from prosecutors while still serving.
He said if the President and governors are granted immunity, there was no reason why judicial officers should not be accorded the same right while they are still serving.
But Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul (APC, Lagos) warned against passing the law as it will conflict with the constitution, adding there is a reason why the Code of Conduct Tribunal was established.