Wike Approves Administration of Criminal Justice, LG Laws

Anayo Okolie

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has given his assent to the bills on the state’s criminal justice administration and the amendment of the local government law. The two bills were recently passed by the House of Assembly.

Speaking yesterday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the signing of the bills, Wike said the new laws, the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment No.1) Law Number 5 of 2016 and the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice No. 7 of 2015, would make for better governance.

Wike said the new local government law will give the governor the necessary leverage to extend the appointments of local council caretaker committees for up to nine months. He said such extension of tenure was often needed to ensure stability in council administration.

The governor said, “Instead of three months or six months, this amended law allows the governor to appoint caretaker committees for nine months. It is not meant to keep the caretaker committees in perpetuity. Once we have elected councils, the elected officials will stay for three years and for a maximum of two terms.” He said the administration of criminal justice law will help the state to fight crime and maintain law and order.

Among those present during the signing of the bills were the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Dabo Adams, and the Majority Leader, Mr. Martin Amaewhule.