Reps move to protect judges from online attacks

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has taken preliminary steps to protect judges from online attacks and intimidation. The motion, moved by Ademorin Kuye of Shomolu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, urges Nigerians, media organizations, and legal practitioners to differentiate between legitimate criticism of court judgments and attempts to undermine judicial independence.

Kuye emphasized that judicial independence is a fundamental pillar of Nigeria's constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the administration of justice. He expressed concern that sustained campaigns of intimidation and personal vilification could erode public confidence in the judiciary, citing the misuse of social media platforms, online publications, and broadcasting networks to circulate unverified allegations and inflammatory commentaries about judicial proceedings and judgments.

Kuye acknowledged that freedom of expression and the press, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution, includes the rights of citizens, journalists, and legal practitioners to scrutinize and criticize judicial decisions responsibly. However, Deputy Minority Whip Mansur Soro cautioned against undermining the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and urged the House to leave the matter to existing institutions, including the courts and the police, to address harassment and threats against judicial officers.