The symposium, which took place at the International Conference Center, Abuja on 26th June, 2013 was organised by The Rule of Law Development Foundation, founded by Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, SAN. The event was one filled with intellectual minds.
In attendance, amongst others were the following in no particular order:
1. Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, GCON (Former Chief Justice of Nigeria)
2. Hon Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, GCON (Former Chief Justice of Nigeria)
3. Hon. Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President
4. Hon. Justice Helen Ogunwumiju
5. Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
6. Hon. Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta
7. Hon. Justice C.C. Nweze
8. Hon. Justice Nasiru Ajanah, C.J. Kogi State
9. A.B. Mahmoud, SAN
10. Femi Falana, SAN
11. Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN
12. Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN
13.Chief Wole Olaonipekun, OFR, SAN
14.Mr. Wale Fapohunda, SAN ( A.G and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State
15.Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, Esq.
16.Mrs. Obi Nwankwo
17.Mr. E.C. Ukala, SAN
18.Mr. Abudue (Representative of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Prisons Service
19.Yusuf Alli, SAN
20.Debbie N. Obodoukwu
21.Mike Ahamba, SAN
The theme of the symposium was basically the role of the Rule of Law in Nigeria vis-a-vis constitutional review and its impact on Judicial reform.
Keynote speaker, Hon Justice Dahiru Musdapher, GCON, explained to the audience, his efforts in ensuring judicial reform in Nigeria. He inaugurated a 29-member committee on 14th October, 2011. The responsibility of the committee was to scrutinize the shortcomings of the judiciary and to recommend reforms.
In July 2012, he submitted a bill containing 52 proposed constitutional amendments to the National Assembly on expected reforms in the judiciary. He however noted that out of the 52 proposals submitted, only 2 were included in the proposed constitution review by the Senate Constitution Amendment Committee, chaired by the Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Hon. Ike Ekweremadu of the 7th Senate of Nigeria. This bill however remains pending before the House.
He advised that the proposed amendment bill be passed as soon as possible. According to him, "this amendment constitutes the most comprehensive review in the nations history".
He further said that "it is vital to review the constitution to suit the issues and needs of modern Nigeria because the law and the judiciary has suffered a disconnect from the society".
Several suggestions were made at the symposium for the reformation of our judiciary. This amongst others, includes:
1. The appointment of the Senior members of the bar to the Appellate bench. Examples of Eminent Jurists were cited, such as, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Coker, e.t.c.
2. Appointment of Judges should be open and transparent, vacancies should be widely publicised on the internet and newspapers,disclosure of shortlisted candidates and their names should be publicised on the internet and be subjected to rigorous interview process.
3. Nigerian federalism should be defined
4. Electoral matters should only be terminated on the merits and not prematurely as a result of adjournments or public holidays which are not the fault of the litigant.
5. The establishment of a court of appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals from the National Industrial Court.
6. The Nigerian Bar Association should sit with the National Judicial Council to propose the guideline for the appointment of Judges.
7. Decentralising policing in Nigeria.
8. Increase the jurisdiction of States High Courts as their jurisdiction as at today are been limited by the jurisdictions conferred on courts like, the Federal High Courts and the National Industrial Courts.
9. The merging of Chapter II of the constitution with Chapter IV.
10. Modernise the Nigeria Prisons and provide conjugal visits.
11. Should provide that specific positions in Nigeria should be occupied by women; the National Assembly should be reserved for proportionate representation.
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