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Torkwase Nyiekaa

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to forge a deeper partnership with the National Assembly to advance justice sector reforms and uphold ethical standards within the legal profession.

Kalu made the call on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of the NBA led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), who paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly.

According to a statement signed by Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, Kalu stressed that the 10th House of Representatives has placed the reform of the justice system at the heart of its legislative agenda. Through motions, bills, and oversight initiatives, he said, the House is working to rebuild public trust in the nation’s justice delivery system and strengthen the judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy.

He explained that the ongoing Constitution Review process has been deliberately structured to be participatory and evidence-based, with lawmakers engaging legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, and civil society organizations to drive comprehensive and meaningful reforms. The proposed reforms, Kalu noted, aim to ensure quicker dispensation of justice, enhance judicial capacity, improve the welfare of judicial officers, and reinforce institutional transparency and integrity.

Commending the NBA for its steadfast defence of justice and the rule of law, Kalu described the body as “the moral compass of the nation” and a constant voice for fairness and accountability.

“It is a privilege to welcome the Nigerian Bar Association to what we proudly refer to as the People’s House,” he said. “Your visit, under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, underscores the enduring bond between the Bar and the Legislature in building justice and advancing national progress. The law is not merely a tool for order; it is the foundation of democracy and equality.”

He continued: “For generations, the NBA has stood as a defender of constitutionalism and a beacon of conscience, holding the powerful accountable and safeguarding human rights. Though Nigeria ranks 120th out of 142 countries in the 2024 World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index, the same as last year, it proves that progress is attainable through consistent collaboration between the Bar and Parliament. The rule of law must be a continuous journey, not a destination.”

As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu emphasized that the process of lawmaking and constitutional amendment must be rooted in inclusiveness and evidence. He acknowledged the NBA’s valuable contributions to the committee’s work, noting that inputs from the Bar and other stakeholders have been vital in shaping ongoing justice-oriented legislative proposals.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted several key interventions by the 10th House, including the High Court of the FCT (Amendment) Bill, aimed at increasing the number of judges to enhance judicial efficiency; the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Bill, which seeks to guarantee fair compensation for judicial officers; and proposed amendments to the Legal Aid Council and National Legal Education Acts to improve access to justice and modernize legal training.

He also disclosed that the harmonization of the Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill is designed to further entrench judicial independence, transparency, and the doctrine of separation of powers.

“These legislative efforts reflect the 10th House’s belief that justice does not begin or end in the courtroom, it thrives when fairness flows from Parliament to the people,” Kalu stated. “When justice thrives, democracy flourishes. The Constitution review is not about legal abstractions; it’s about improving the daily lives of Nigerians.”

He reaffirmed that the legislature remains committed to promoting institutional collaboration rather than rivalry. “While the legislature enacts laws, the judiciary interprets them and the executive implements them. Yet, all three must be united by one purpose, to serve the Nigerian people,” Kalu concluded.