Ondo Assembly Holds Public Hearing on Amendment Bills for Law Commission, Public Defender Office
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly held a public hearing on bills seeking to amend the Ondo State Law Commission Law, 2001 and the Office of the Public Defender Law, 2004.
Speaking at the hearing, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges,Hon.Stephen Abitogun said the proposed amendments were aimed at reviewing the status, designation and responsibilities of accounting officers within the two institutions.
According to him, the amendments are designed to strengthen the administrative and financial structures of the agencies in line with current public service reforms, accountability and efficient justice administration.
He noted that the Ondo State Law Commission and the Office of the Public Defender occupy strategic positions in the justice sector, stressing that while the Law Commission drives law reforms and legal development, the Office of the Public Defender plays a critical role in ensuring access to justice for indigent and vulnerable citizens.
The Committee Chairman added that the legislative process would benefit greatly from stakeholders contributions, consultations and constructive engagements, assuring participants that their observations and recommendations would assist the Assembly in making laws that would further strengthen justice delivery in the state.
He also appreciated stakeholders for honouring the invitation to the public hearing on behalf of the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, and members of the committee.
In his submission, former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barr. C.K. Akinrinsola, described the Ondo State Law Commission Law, 2001 as obsolete, saying there was a need to amend it to reflect present realities and improve the morale of lawyers serving in the ministry.
”The passage of the bills is long overdue, the Ministry of Justice and its agencies, particularly the Office of the Public Defender and the Law Commission will become more operationally efficient”.
He further mentioned that the proposed new designations will enable the concerned to effectively match their expanding responsibilities, reduced workload, and broader targets, while also aligning with international best practices and global standards.
Other stakeholders also made submissions on memoranda earlier presented to the committee, offering observations and corrections, particularly on issues relating to the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the ministry.
They also made recommendations aimed at ensuring that provisions relating to hierarchy and appointments properly reflect seniority in line with public service rules.
While making his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister. Umar Onimisi, commended the committee for its efforts, noting that the NBA remains committed to the progress and development of the state.
In his words, “This is indeed a commendable step forward, and I hope even more will be done.” He therefore appealed to the Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill and ensure its prompt assent by the state governor.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, expressed delight over the proposed amendment, noting that it would bring about positive changes, particularly by enabling the justice sector to have more than one Permanent Secretary.
He appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for creating additional offices within the Ministry to accommodate the new Permanent Secretaries. He also commended the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, and other lawmakers, for their efforts in ensuring that the amendment successfully scaled through the first and second readings on the floor of the House.
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