A member of the House of Representatives, Clement Jimbo, has called for urgent legal reforms to prevent the misinterpretation of court judgments in Nigeria, following the controversy surrounding a recent Federal High Court ruling involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” on Friday, Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, criticized the lack of clarity in some judicial decisions, which he said often leads to constitutional confusion and conflicting interpretations.

 

Referring to the ongoing dispute over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume legislative duties based on her reading of a recent court judgment—an attempt blocked by Senate security—Jimbo described the situation as a “constitutional standoff.” He noted that the Senate’s position was that the ruling lacked a binding order for her reinstatement.

 

“To avoid this kind of embarrassment,” Jimbo said, “the National Assembly should pass a resolution recommending that the Constitutional Review Committee, in collaboration with the Judiciary Committee, establish an ad hoc committee to review relevant sections of the constitution and existing laws.”

 

He advocated for court rulings to be written with clarity, precision, and a standard template, eliminating any ambiguity that could lead to conflicting interpretations.

 

“Though the judiciary is independent, rulings must be devoid of legal ambiguity. The language should be direct and clear for both the public and involved parties,” he added.

 

Jimbo’s comments add to growing concerns about the need for clearer judicial communication and the strengthening of Nigeria’s legal framework to avoid similar constitutional gridlocks.