Obaseki signs Justice Sector Reforms, Building control Bills, others into Law

In an unprecedented move, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ushered in a new era by enacting four pivotal bills, marking a significant shift in legal and developmental frameworks.

The legislation includes the establishment of the Edo State Justice Sector Reforms and the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, emphasizing a strategic focus on enhancing governance and infrastructure protocols.

Furthermore, the bills span reforms in criminal conduct regulations, public order directives, and the establishment of the Edo State Forestry Commission for forest preservation and conservation efforts.

The signing ceremony held at the Government House in Benin City saw Governor Obaseki express his delight, highlighting the historic milestone achieved in updating laws that have not undergone revisions for decades.

Governor Obaseki emphasized the monumental impact of the new Edo Justice Sector Reform Law and criminal legislation, underscoring their far-reaching implications as catalysts for progress and transformation in the state.

He said, “Over time, a serious issue with the administration of justice has arisen due to the inadequate coordination among the judicial institutions in Edo and throughout the nation, which has resulted in overcrowding in our jails, a lack of cohesion in our actions, and other issues.

“By enhancing coordination within the judicial institution, these reforms will aid in addressing issues in these sectors.”

“This new law is an essential part of our administration’s agenda to set up the necessary legal architecture for a forward-looking judiciary to help us achieve our goal of creating an investment-friendly and role-based society for future generations,” he added.

Obaseki commented on the new criminal code law, saying, “Other offenses have been added, and the crime of rape has been strengthened to address the issue of rape and its varied manifestations. New offences have been created to close some gaps in the legal framework.”

He noted that the building law will ensure that people stop the indiscriminate erection of buildings without permission from relevant authorities in the state.

The governor said, “We have had a strange situation in Edo State. People build without building approval and the new law makes it an offense punishable by law to build without getting the required approval. This will stop our cities from growing into urban jungles. The bill will bring back sanity to our building environment.”