Politics
RSG Sets State Law Compilation Committee
A committee for the compilation of state enacted laws since 1999 has been set up by the State Ministry of Justice.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Zacheaus Adango gave the indication last Monday when he appeared before the House of Assembly for screening as commissioner nominee.
Dr Adango regretted that since 1999, most of the laws enacted and passed by the State Assembly were yet to be put in one volume, but rather were scattered in different gazette documents.
He explained that the committee’s mandate was to ensure that these laws were bound in one volume for easy accessibility and dispensation of justice.
Besides, he stated that once the committee completes its mission, a bill will be sent to the Assembly for a standing law compilation committee, which shall from time to time compile state laws.
Asked on how the state will fasten the pace of justice delivery, Dr Adango said already a Special Committee on Legal Advice had been set up by him.
Part of the role of the committee, the commissioner explained is to give advice on state matters, though such advice are subject to his approval as Attorney General.
In his words, “when I assumed office last year, what I did first was to set up a taskeforce on reducing backlog of cases”.
He further stated that he had to reorganise the ministry such that every criminal matter had to pass through his desk, so as to assign experts to handle such matters.
Assuring that every matter that affects government is given adequate attention, the commissioner maintained that the problem of changing state courses frequency has now been addressed”, when matters come, we write to the appropriate ministry in charge for full briefing”.
The Attorney-General also commended the Assembly for passing the state Arbitration and Multi-Dour Court House law of 2018, as he argued that the law will enhance alternative dispute resolution, and enhance justice delivery.
He pledge to discharge his responsibilities fair with high sease of commitment and service to the state.
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.
