Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government says it is working hard to root out crime and criminality in the state.
The Governor of Rivers State stated this during the inauguration of the Justice Sector Reform Team in Port Harcourt.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, IPALIBO HARRY BANIGO said the inauguration of the Justice Sector Reform Team will bring a common ground in the administration of justice delivery in the state.
On her part, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, ADAMA IYAYI-LAMINKANRA represented by Justice S.C.THOMPSON said the state judiciary will start electronic filing system next month to speed up the justice delivery system in the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Rivers State ZACCHAEUS ADANGOR said the justice sector reform team will aid justice delivery in the state.
The Controller Nigeria Prisons, Rivers State Command OLUMIDE TINUOYE called for speedy trial of cases in a bid to decongest Port Harcourt Prisons.
OLUMIDE TINUOYE while speaking during the inauguration of the Justice Sector Reform Team said the total number of inmates at Port Harcourt Prisons is four thousand eight and four against the initial capacity of 800.
He said that awaiting trial dominates the number with four thousand one hundred and twenty-nine.
He decried that the congestion of the prisons are a big concern to the prisons’ authority as their little resources are not enough to take care of the inmates.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Ruler, King DANDISON DOUGLAS Jaja appealed to the state government to involve the traditional institutions into the customary courts in the state.
He said that Traditional Rulers will help interpret customary laws to the courts.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Judge of Rivers State ADAMA IYAYI LAMINKARA is the chairman of the reform team while the Attorney General is the Alternate chairman of the team
