Ministry Proposes Anti-Kidnapping, Armed Robbery Bills

BY ANDY AKENI

IN its resolve to ensure that criminals are punished, Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, says the ministry has proposed two bills recommending stringent measures against kidnappers and armed robbers to enhance the administration of criminal justice in the State.

The two bills, according to the Commissioner are the Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Terrorism Bill and the state Multi-Door Government House Bill that will ensure longer jail  terms for criminals as death sentence is no more fashionable world-wide.

Ajuyah stated this yesterday at a Ministerial press briefing put together by Ministry of Information and the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, held in Asaba.

The Attorney-General said the ministry has formulated over 33 bills assented to by the governor to regulate institutions, economic activities, and social relations with a view to providing the government with the legal framework to realize its three point agenda.

According to the commissioner, “as a mark of zero tolerance of the state government to kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes, he personally prosecute most of the criminal cases in court to ensure that justice is brought against criminals in the state.

Similarly, in discharging its responsibilities the ministry has provided the manpower support for updating the laws of the state, making the state first among those states with their own laws. He said the state has put in place mechanism for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) while a lot of funds have been generated for the state and has faithfully fulfill Government obligations to beneficiaries of deceased public officers by prompt payment of pension and gratuities.

The Commissioner listed other achievements of the ministry to include acquisition of new office, training and re-training of legal officers and  bringing tax defaulters to book.

While saying that the Ministry is ever poised with the pursuit of its statutory roles and to support the three point agenda of government, Ajuyah listed inadequate funds, lack of witnesses, retirement and transfer of Judges as some of the challenges facing the ministry and assured Deltans against fear of been a witness adding that the government offers protection for witnesses and even defray their out of pocket expenses for attending courts.

In his response, the information commissioner, Chike Ogeah Esq, identified kidnapping as a challenge, but added that, the state Government is equal to the task and will do everything to ensure that there is peace in the state.