NAN-H-92
Lawyers
By Sylvester Thompson
Abuja, Jan. 19, 2017(NAN) Some legal practitioners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the National Assembly to review obsolete laws in Nigeria’s statute books in keeping with dynamics of development.
They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, saying that some of the obsolete laws could even be repealed to suit contemporary best practice.
A Commercial Lawyer, Mr Kenechukwu Okide, said modern law practice required
“`aggressive law reform”, suggesting that most of the obsolete laws be repealed or reviewed “to meet the yearnings and aspirations of people in search of justice.
“The problem with Nigeria is not about the legal system, the problem is the ability to implement the laws we have, but there are laws that are obsolete; they fail to meet up with the challenges of modern practice.
“The legislature, therefore, has the responsibility to review, repeal obsolete laws or enact new laws in line with existing changes.”
Another legal practitioner, Charles Edosonwan, said that the role of an updated law in transforming the nation’s economy could not be overemphasised, noting that “the law has a pride of place.
“The law is a fundamental instrument for reform since all aspects of our lives are governed by laws. But if the extant laws are inefficient or ineffective,we will have problems.
“Even though we cannot regulate morality, our laws are cogent; it will address our present issues.”
According to Edosonwan, up-to-date laws help to re-engineer the society by upholding the standards set for good governance.
On his part, human rights activist Amos Olatunji said that the Nigerian criminal law needed to be reviewed and updated in so many aspects for the benefit of the poor masses.
“In fact, it’s rather pathetic when you find out that the law does not apply the same way between a Nigerian charged with money laundering and a petty thief,” he said.
Another human rights lawyer, Missa Akinwumi, stressed the need for the country to uphold the rule of law for her to be truly democratic.
“The rule of law must be fully implemented if the country is to blossom economically,’’ he said.
Akinwunmi also said that unnecessary obstructions to justice dispensation should be removed by ensuring the laws were updated.
“This will encourage investors to come to the country because they will have confidence that their investments will be adequately protected by the laws of the land.” (NAN)
SET/OSA/HA
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu