Breaking: Reps vote to allow judges conduct online trial of cases

As the constitution review process kicks off, members of the House of Representatives have just voted 276 to empower judges to conduct court proceedings through virtual means over the internet.

Clause 23 is on a “Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to allow Court or Tribunal Proceedings to be conducted remotely, virtually, online or through any media platform or technological innovation; and for related matters and approve the recommendations therein.”

This may not be unconnected to the pressure on the Nigerian Judiciary to adapt to new innovations and the application of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in the administration of Justice.

The step by the legislators may have come as a surprise due to the fact that many Nigerians have written out the National Assembly as a rubber stamp of the Executive arm of government.

Pundits also are of the opinion that the security of judges would be ensured.