Reps Move to Protect Judges From Online Attacks

The House of Representatives has called for stronger measures to protect judicial officers from intimidation, harassment and personal attacks on social media and broadcasting platforms.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ademorin Kuye, representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, during plenary on Thursday, November 12.

Moving the motion, Kuye expressed concern over the increasing use of social media platforms, online publications and broadcasting networks to circulate unverified allegations, misleading interpretations and inflammatory comments about judicial proceedings and judgments.

He argued that some commentators and legal practitioners had resorted to attacking judges personally rather than addressing the legal principles, reasoning and findings contained in their decisions.

According to him, sustained campaigns of intimidation and personal vilification could expose judicial officers to undue pressure, weaken public confidence in the judiciary and undermine the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

However, the lawmaker acknowledged that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press, including the right of citizens, journalists and legal practitioners to scrutinise and criticise judicial decisions responsibly.

The motion generated differing opinions among lawmakers. Deputy Minority Whip, Mansur Soro, cautioned against any measure that could undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression, while Aliyu Misau argued that public confidence in the judiciary should be earned through transparent and credible judgments.

Peter Anakwe also warned that the proposal could be interpreted as an attempt to silence the media and restrict public accountability.

Supporting the motion, Patrick Umoh and Wole Oke maintained that protecting judges against intimidation should not prevent Nigerians from legitimately criticising court decisions.

Following deliberations, the House urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to strengthen mechanisms for receiving and addressing complaints involving threats, harassment and attempts to improperly influence judicial officers.

It also called on the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association to reinforce professional standards among lawyers, particularly in public commentary on pending cases and judgments.

The National Broadcasting Commission was urged to strengthen compliance with broadcasting standards, while relevant law enforcement agencies were asked to investigate credible reports of threats, harassment and incitement to violence against judicial officers.

The lawmakers further urged media organisations, journalists, political actors and social media users to distinguish legitimate criticism of judicial decisions from personal attacks capable of intimidating judges.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, subsequently directed the joint Committees on Judiciary and Human Rights to engage relevant institutions and stakeholders to develop practical safeguards.

The committees are expected to submit their report within four weeks for further legislative action.