Kogi State House of Assembly has expressed its determination to bring justice closer to the people.
This was contained in the lead debate on a bill to establish Magistrate Courts for Kogi State, appoint Magistrates and Other purposes in connection with the Administration of Justice.
Leading the debate at plenary sponsor of the bill Cosmas Atabor said the bill is a private members bill that seeks to make provision for the establishment of magistrate courts and deepening the administration of justice in the state.
He said the bill would also ensure delineation of the state into magisterial districts as the court encourages alternative dispute resolution.
Co-sponsor of the bill Hilarion Musa said the passage of the bill and establishment of magistrate courts would close the gap in the administration of justice.
Supporting the debate the member representing Dekina /Okura constituency, Paul Enema said the bill was timely as it would not only bring justice closer to the people but would address the issues bordering on rape and other criminal matters in the rural areas.
In his submission the Speaker Prince Mathew Kolawole, said it was a straight forward bill backed by the administration of the state criminal justice.
While committing the bill to the house standing committee on Judiciary and Justice, for further legislative action, the speaker asked the committee to expedite action on the Violence Against Women, Protection bill for possible consideration and passage.
In the meantime the House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Isah Ibrahim Amoka after six months of probation.
The members in a unanimous support said the Alhaji Amoka was found worthy and capable of the post.
In a reaction, the clerk of the House, Alhaji Isah Ibrahim Amoka appreciated the state Governor, Speaker and members of the house for believing in him to carry out the assignment as clerk of the house.
He promised not to disappoint them, by putting in his best in the discharge of his duty.