The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC, programme has produced and presented, copies of the Anambra State Magistrates’ Courts’ Law, 2021, to the State Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice as part of measures towards increasing access to justice.
The state coordinator, Mrs. Josephine Onah, led members of the programme’s Justice Sector Reform Team, chaired by Justice Peter Obiorah to present the document.
The “law for the establishment of Magistrates’ Courts for Anambra State and for the appointment of Magistrates, Justices of Peace and other officers of the court and for other purposes relating to the Administration of Justice, 2021” was passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly and assented into Law by former Governor Willie Obiano on third November, 2021.
The passage of the law, was significant as it was reviewed and amended for the first time since 1991.
Speaking at the presentation , Mrs. Onah, explained that the programme saw the review as expedient considering the importance of Magistrates’ Courts to the administration of criminal justice systems as according to her, most criminal cases are heard and terminated at the court.
Explaining the innovations introduced into the new Magistrates’ Courts Law 2021, Justice Obiorah, represented by a Chief Magistrate, Dr Mike Anyadiegwu, said the law extends the civil and criminal jurisdictions of the Magistrate Court as a magistrate is now required to deliver judgment within thirty days of final address, thereby reducing delayed process of justice delivery.
Receiving the over one hundred and fifty copies for the judiciary in his office at the state Judiciary Headquarters, Awka, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, commended the efforts of RoLAC in facilitating access to justice and stated that the judiciary arm of government is ready to partner all stakeholders to reduce the delays in the administration of criminal justice.
For the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Mrs. Sylvia Ifemeje, represented by the state Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barrister Ngozi Iwouno, the present administration underscores that justice is the forerunner of security.
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