Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State
By Ifeoma Aka
The Enugu State Assembly on Thursday passed into law, the bill that would provide procedures to fast-track criminal cases in high and magistrate courts in the state.
The passage of the bill into law followed the report of the joint assembly committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions Ethics and Privileges presented by its chairman, Mr Philip Nnamani.
The leader of the assembly, Mr Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, had earlier presented the executive bill on the floor of the assembly and moved that the assembly be dissolved into committee of the whole.
He stated that the essence was to consider the report before it was eventually passed after going through the bill clause by clause.
It was recalled that during the debate on the bill last year, members condemned the unnecessary delays and adjournments of criminal cases in courts.
They moved that it was due for amendment for quick dispensation of justice and decongestion of the prisons.
The speaker of the assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, who presided over the passage of the bill, thanked his colleagues for their contributions during the debate prior to its passage.
Ubosi stated that the move showed members determination to move the state forward.
The assembly adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday January 31.