The Ondo State House of Assembly says it will strengthen the judiciary administrative process in the state to ensure fairness in the dispensation of justice.
Mr Stephen Abitogun, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges, said this at a public hearing of two bills on Thursday in Akure.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills are: the Amendment of Ondo State Law Commission Law, 2001 and the Amendment of Office of the Public Defender Law, 2004.
Abitogun said the amendments were aimed at reviewing the status, designation and responsibilities of accounting officers within the two institutions.
He said that the amendments were designed to strengthen the administrative and financial structures of the agencies in line with current public service reforms, accountability and efficient justice administration.
The chairman noted that the Ondo State Law Commission and the Office of the Public Defender occupied strategic positions in the justice sector.
He added that while the Law Commission drives law reforms and legal development, the Office of the Public Defender plays a critical role in ensuring access to justice for indigent and vulnerable citizens.
Abitogun said that the public hearing was necessary to get contributions, consultations and constructive engagements of critical stakeholders.
According to him, participants’ contributions, observations and recommendations will assist the assembly in making laws that will further strengthen justice delivery in the state
In his remarks, the former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary.in the state’s Ministry of Justice, Mr C.K. Akinrinsola, described the Ondo State Law Commission Law, 2001 as archaic, hence the amendment.
Akinrinsola said that the ongoing amendment would reflect present realities and improve the morale of lawyers serving in the ministry.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Onimisi Umar, commended the committee for its efforts, saying that the NBA remained committed to the progress and development of the state.
“This is indeed a commendable step forward, and I hope that more will be done,” he said.
Umar urged the assembly to expedite the passage of the bill and ensure its prompt assent by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.( NAN)
