By Michael Odiah
A review of the Delta State Administration of Criminal law (ACJL) 2016, has commenced with a focus on current realities and new waves of crimes.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa while flagging off a stakeholders summit on the review on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Unity Hall, government house, Asaba, noted that before the enactment of ACJL in 2015 and subsequent assent in 2016, the situation of Criminal Justice Law in the state was epileptic and ineffective for cases.
Represented by His Chief of Staff, Hon Ovie Agas, the governor said, “The current status quo has lived up to its purpose but there are lags. It is far better and effective than it was from defunct Bendel state, but since the advent of Covid, increase in organized crime amongst others, there has been a need to address the current status quo to ensure efficiency, reduce delayed trials, eliminate reluctance of witnesses to give evidence amongst others and to help ACJL in Delta state keep up with the trend and speed of development.
“The importance my administration places on Justice delivery cannot be over emphasized, evidently the summit underscores that. We would not have finished strong if we don’t look at Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
“This summit underscores the importance my administration places on justice system and delivery. I am particularly pleased at the assemblage of the caliber of personalities here at this review.”
While commending the various stakeholders who turned up for the review, Governor Okowa appreciated the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Isaiah Bozimo, for his foresight towards attaining a more efficient ACJL and placing Delta state at the top of the creative map in Criminal Justice Administration.
