Reps judicial panel decries delays in justice delivery

The House of Representatives has decried the slow pace of justice delivery in the country, saying the backlog of pending cases in various courts remains a source of concern in the judiciary.

Chairman, House committee on Judiciary, Onofiok Luke, who made the assertion yesterday in Abuja, said it was unfortunate that some matters spend up to 10 years before their final adjudication at the Supreme Court.

He added that allowing almost all cases to get to the Supreme Court without limitations was a major part of the challenge in the nation’s legal system.

He argued that not all matters should merit the attention of the apex court considering the fact that in advanced democracies like United States, only constitutional and important matters reach the Supreme Court.

Luke, who was immediate past Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, restated that the House of Representatives desires to ensure the independence of the judiciary.

He said there are so many reforms to be carried in the judiciary and assured that his Committee, would work in synergy with relevant stakeholders like the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and civil society organisations (CSOs) to strengthen the judiciary for effective performance and quick, efficient justice delivery to Nigerians.

“General matters are handled by trial and appellate courts based on the precedents set by the Supreme Court.