Hon. Clement Jimbo, a member of the House of Representatives, has called for legal reforms to prevent misinterpretations of court judgments in Nigeria. His remarks follow recent disputes over a Federal High Court ruling involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate, which sparked a constitutional debate.
Jimbo, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, voiced concerns over conflicting interpretations of the court’s decision. The controversy arose when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to return to legislative duties but was barred by Senate security, who insisted the judgment did not order her reinstatement.
Highlighting the need for clearer judicial language, Jimbo stated, "Court rulings should be straightforward what is decided in the high court should hold the same meaning in the appellate court. Legal professionals must improve clarity in their judgments."
To tackle the issue, he proposed that the National Assembly establish a special committee, involving constitutional and judicial experts, to review existing laws and introduce standardized judgment formats. This, he argued, would minimize ambiguity and ensure rulings are easily understood.
Jimbo stressed the urgency of reforms to strengthen public trust in the judiciary, emphasizing that while judicial independence is vital, judgments must be unambiguous to uphold justice and prevent unnecessary conflicts.
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