Get Guardian on Google…Seek protection for judges against social media attacks
The House of Representatives on Thursday launched an investigation into rising political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid growing concerns over attacks on political gatherings and supporters across the country.
The lawmakers also called for stronger safeguards against intimidation and harassment of judicial officers, particularly through social media and broadcasting platforms, while insisting that Nigerians retain their constitutional right to criticise court judgments.
The House constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the rising political violence following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Minority Leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Rep. Bamidele Salam, and 15 other lawmakers.
Leading the debate, Agbedi warned that attacks, intimidation and disruption of political activities posed a serious threat to democratic participation and the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
He cited incidents in Enugu, Katsina, Nasarawa, Delta and Cross River states, including attacks on political supporters and gatherings that reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries.
The lawmaker urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject inflammatory rhetoric and cooperate with security agencies to maintain public peace.
Consequently, the House condemned violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property connected with political activities, irrespective of the parties or individuals involved.
It constituted an Ad-hoc Committee chaired by the Majority Leader, with the Minority Leader as Deputy Chairman, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
The committee, which comprises lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties, must submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the House considered a separate motion sponsored by Hon. Ademorin Kuye on protecting judicial officers from intimidation, harassment and public vilification through social media and broadcasting networks.
Leading the debate, Kuye said sustained campaigns against judges could undermine judicial independence, weaken public confidence and expose judicial officers to undue pressure.
He, however, acknowledged that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press, including the right of citizens and journalists to scrutinise and criticise judicial decisions responsibly.
The motion generated opposing views among lawmakers, with some warning against measures that could restrict public accountability or undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Manu Soro, cautioned against any attempt to curtail freedom of expression, arguing that existing institutions already had mechanisms for addressing threats and harassment.
Similarly, Hon. Aliyu Misau argued that public confidence in the judiciary must come from transparent and credible judgments rather than legislative protection against criticism.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Patrick Umoh, however, supported the motion, warning that social media commentaries increasingly condemned judges without adequate consideration of court records and legal proceedings.
He also expressed concern that the situation could worsen ahead of the 2027 elections, when electoral disputes might expose judicial officers to greater pressure.
In opposition, Hon. Peter Anakwe warned that the proposal could be interpreted as an attempt to silence the media and Nigerians from holding public institutions accountable.
He urged the judiciary to strengthen its internal disciplinary mechanisms through the National Judicial Council rather than seek protection from public scrutiny.
However, Hon. Wole Oke maintained that protecting judges against intimidation did not amount to shielding their judgments from criticism.
Responding to the concerns, Kuye clarified that his motion neither sought to create new offences nor deny Nigerians their constitutional rights.
He said the proposal sought to distinguish legitimate criticism from intimidation and harassment of judicial officers.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant institutions to promote public awareness of lawful channels for challenging judicial decisions and reporting alleged misconduct.
It also urged the National Judicial Council to strengthen mechanisms for receiving and addressing credible complaints involving threats, harassment and attempts to influence judicial officers.
The lawmakers further called on the Body of Benchers and Nigerian Bar Association to reinforce professional standards among legal practitioners, particularly in public commentary on pending cases and judicial decisions.
They also urged the National Broadcasting Commission to strengthen compliance with broadcasting standards when media organisations discuss judicial proceedings.
Additionally, security agencies were asked to investigate credible reports of threats and unlawful attempts to intimidate judges.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, subsequently mandated the joint Committees on Judiciary and Human Rights to engage the NJC, Body of Benchers, NBA, NBC, Federal Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders on practical safeguards.
The committees are expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
