The Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the State Administration of Criminal Justice Amendment Bill, and the State Administration of Civil Justice (Amendment) Bill.
The passage of the two bills followed the presentation of the second and third reading of the bills by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, during plenary in Asaba.
Presenting the bill, Nwaobi, said the bill was well debated at the floor of the House by lawmakers before its passage in 2022.
He, however, said the amendments sought in the bills became necessary in order to strengthen the smooth operations of the principal laws.
According to him, amendments sought in both bills is to extend the transition period of the proposed new law from the existing 12 months to 24 months.
Nwaobi further said the amendment would help facilitate and enable adequate time for setting up necessary machineries for the full implementation of the law.
Those who spoke in favour of the bills included, Mr Ferguson Onwo (PDP-Isoko South II), Mr Perkins Umukoro (PDP – Sapele), Mrs Marylyn Okowa-Daramola (PDP-Ika North East),.
Others were Mr Emmanuel Sinibe (PDP-Patani), Mrs Bridget Anyafulu (PDP-Oshimili South) and Mr James Augoye (PDP-Okpe).
Consequently, the Majority Leader moved a motion to suspend Order 12, Rule 79-83 of Standing Order of the Assembly to enable the Assembly take the third reading and passage of the bills.
The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Nr Dennis Guwor, was seconded by Mr Emmanuel Sinibe (PDP-Patani).
The Speaker commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bills, adding that the amendment sought would provide adequate time for the setting up of necessary machineries for the smooth and full implementation of the Law.
“By virtue of this Bills, 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 machineries for the smooth and full implementation of the Law”, he said.
The Tide’s source reports that the bills, which were forwarded to the House by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on May 8, received accelerated legislative action on the floor of the Assembly.