Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Mr Uko Essien Udom, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General has said that the general process of revision of the laws of the State which has not been done more than 20 years ago was almost completed.
Udom said this while briefing newsmen on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022 in Uyo on Friday.
The Attorney General commended the efforts of the present administration to upgrade and update it laws.
He said that the process of the revision of the laws would be enriched by the inclusion of the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill which has been passed and assented to by Gov. Udom Emmanuel.
He said the passage of the bill represents a bold effort by the present administration to strengthen the rule of law, advance human rights and improve the administration of Justice in the state.
“The passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill by the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly and the subsequent ascent of Governor Udom Emmanuel represent efforts by the present government to strengthen the rule of law, advance human rights and generally improve the administration of justice in Akwa Ibom state.
“This all-important law which will soon find the application by our Courts and other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System is a bold step to filling the gap that was noticeable in the Criminal Procedure Law CAP 39, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 which the present law has repealed.
“It is worth noting that as part of the policy of the present administration in Akwa Ibom state to update and upgrade our laws, the general process of revision of the laws, which was last undertaken more than 20-years ago, is nearing completion.
“There is no doubt that the final product of that exercise will be enriched by the inclusion of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022, ” Udom said.
The commissioner expressed delight that Akwa Ibom by the enactment of the administration of criminal justice laws 2022 has joined the company of states determined to introduce significant reforms in the administration of justice for the benefit of the people.
He listed the highlights of the law to include the establishment of a monitoring committee, electronic recording of procedures, quarterly reports of arrests by the Attorney General, and prosecution of offences among others.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Mr Ememobong Udoh, commended the state governor for assenting to the criminal justice law.
Udoh said the law would be very useful to lawyers, litigants and the good people of Akwa Ibom.