Mr. Uko Essien Udom, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General has said that the general revision of the laws of the State which was last done more than 20 years ago is now almost complete.
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 the laws of the state.
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 assent 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 application by our Courts and other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System is a bold step to filling the gaps that were noticeable in the Criminal Procedure Law CAP 39, Laws of Akwa Ibom state, 2000 which the present law has repealed.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 law 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 establishment of monitoring committee, electronic recording of procedures, quarterly reports of arrest by the Attorney General, prosecution of offences among others.
The Chairman, 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 people of Akwa Ibom.
