The House of Representatives has called on law enforcement agencies to investigate credible reports of threats, harassment, incitement to violence and attempts to intimidate judicial officers.
The lawmakers also urged the relevant agencies to ensure that anyone found to have committed such an offence faces appropriate legal action.
The resolution followed a motion moved on Thursday by Ademorin Kuye on the need to safeguard judicial independence and protect judicial officers from intimidation, harassment and public attacks through social media and broadcasting platforms.
The House said there was a clear distinction between legitimate criticism of court judgments and personal attacks against judges.
“The House is cognisant of the fundamental distinction between legitimate criticism of a judgment and personal attacks, threats, harassment or intimidation intended to undermine the integrity and independence of the judicial officer who delivered it,” the lawmakers said.
The legislators expressed concern over the growing use of social media, online publications and broadcasting networks to circulate unverified allegations, misleading interpretations and inflammatory comments about court proceedings and judgments.
They noted that such publications were sometimes made without proper examination of court records, evidence, legal arguments or the reasoning behind judicial decisions.
The House further warned that sustained campaigns of intimidation and personal attacks against judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the Judiciary and expose judges to undue pressure.
“Such campaigns may weaken public confidence in the Judiciary, expose judges to undue pressure and undermine the constitutional principle of separation of powers,” the lawmakers warned.
The resolution stressed the need to protect judicial officers from unlawful intimidation while preserving the right of citizens to express legitimate criticism of judicial decisions.
