By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, and Delta State Administration of Civil Justice, Bill 2024,(both Amendment) has passed third reading on the floor of the State Assembly plenary on Thursday.
Both Executive bills were forwarded to the State Legislature by the State Governor, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on the 8th of May 2024 and was listed for first reading with accelerated legislative action at plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Moving a motion at the plenary, the majority leader of the 8th Assembly, Hon Emeka Nwaobi moved for the third reading of the bills and their subsequent approvals for second readings of both bills after debates.
Hon. Nwaobi explained at the plenary during the debates, that the amendments sought in the bills became necessary to strengthen the smooth operations of the principal laws.
He added that “amendments sought in both bills are to extend the transition period of the proposed new law from the existing 12 months to 24 months.”
The majority leader hinted that the “amendment would help facilitate as well as enable adequate time for setting up necessary machinery for the full implementation of the law”
Other members also spoke in favour of both bills were members representing Isoko south 2, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Sapele, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, Ika North East, Hon. Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, Patani, Hon. Emmanuel Sinibe, Oshimili South, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu as well as Okpe, Hon. James Augoye.
Commending the Lawmakers for the passage of both bills, Guwor noted that the amendment sought would provide the adequate time for the setting up of necessary machinery for the smooth and full implementation of the Law.
He said, “By virtue of this Bill, the 12 (twelve) months transition period relating to Case Management originally provided in Sections 48(1), 64(1) and 65(3) has been extended to 24 (twenty-four) months to enable adequate time for the setting up of necessary machinery for the smooth and full implementation of the Law”.
