The Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions and member representing Umuahia North (Ohuhu) State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 8th Abia State House of Assembly to strengthening the administration of justice through progressive legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency, fairness, and credibility of the state's criminal justice system.
Akaliro gave the assurance during a two-day legislative retreat held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where members of the Abia State House of Assembly undertook a comprehensive review of the proposed Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law Bill. The retreat was organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Phase II programme as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen justice sector reforms and legislative capacity across Nigeria.
The workshop provided lawmakers with the opportunity to critically examine key provisions of the proposed legislation, which seeks to modernise and improve the administration of criminal justice in Abia State. Deliberations focused on aligning the bill with contemporary legal standards, international best practices, and the realities of criminal justice administration within the state.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, Hon. Akaliro played a significant role during the technical sessions, contributing to the review of several critical provisions of the bill. Discussions covered Section 188 relating to applications for remand and other interlocutory proceedings, Section 20 on the method of making arrests, Section 63 concerning copies of court orders accompanying summons or warrants, and Section 71 dealing with the powers to reject sureties. The extensive review was aimed at ensuring that the proposed law provides a more transparent, effective, and rights-based framework for criminal justice administration.
The proposed amendments are expected to strengthen the existing Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of 2017 by reinforcing safeguards for fundamental human rights, promoting the humane treatment of suspects while in custody, discouraging arbitrary arrests and unlawful detention, enhancing police accountability, and ensuring that criminal trials are conducted without unnecessary delays. Legal experts at the retreat noted that the reforms would further improve public confidence in the justice system while promoting professionalism among law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions.
Beyond improving legal procedures, the bill is also designed to reinforce law and order across Abia State by creating a more balanced justice system that protects the interests of complainants, defendants, suspects, and witnesses alike. It seeks to expand access to justice, strengthen due process, improve public safety, reduce criminal activities, and guarantee that justice is administered fairly, efficiently, and without prejudice to any individual regardless of social status or background.
Speaking at the conclusion of the retreat, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended members of the 8th Assembly for their active participation and dedication throughout the exercise. He also expressed appreciation to International IDEA, the European Union through the RoLAC Phase II programme, and the lead facilitator, Prof. C. K. Okorie, for providing the technical support that enriched the legislative engagement. The Speaker assured that the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill would undergo all constitutional legislative processes before passage to ensure it adequately addresses the peculiar needs of Abia State and delivers a more effective justice system for the benefit of all citizens.
The retreat further demonstrated the resolve of the 8th Abia State House of Assembly to deepen democratic governance through quality legislation that promotes accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. For Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, the engagement reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to championing judicial reforms and supporting legislative initiatives that will strengthen the justice sector, protect the rights of citizens, and contribute to a safer, more just, and equitable Abia State.
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