The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Thursday in Abuja, inaugurated a committee to review existing laws and law reform. The speaker said the major reason for setting up the committee was to review the various laws in Nigeria’s Statute books was because some of which have become obsolete, anachronistic, outdated and spent. He said “as you know, by the provision of Section 315 of the constitution, all existing laws including the military era legislations are deemed to be Acts of National Assembly.” According to him, the review of the laws since the coming into effect of the 1999 Constitution has been unsatisfactory. “This is because our existing laws still contain many anachronistic provisions and out of date sanctions for any breach. “The fines of N20 or N50 for major infractions still exist in our statutes. Also, the Law Reform is one of the most critical and indispensable part of all reforms in a given society. “It is the harbinger of all reforms. Without law review and law reform, the economic, political and social advancement of any nation will diminish.’’ He explained that “in Nigeria, we are in a new era where things are now expected to be done differently, more efficiently and more effectively.” Dogara said ‘the change’ being expected in Nigerian could not be achieved without an effective legal framework that would serve the needs of the people. He advised the committee to take into cognisance the duties of some existing bodies and be guided by them. According to him, such bodies include the National Institute of Legislative Studies, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. The speaker said the terms of reference of the committee include advising the speaker and the House of Representatives on the legislative action required for revision of all existing laws. “It is to incorporate all amendments and adaptations made earlier and to advise the speaker and members of the House by collating all existing laws and evaluating its efficacy and effectiveness. “The committee will assess all existing laws and identify areas that require reform or revision or further legislative action and to consolidate various aspects of statutes on a particular subject by harmonising them. “It is also to codify relevant body of laws or legal precepts and to advise the speaker and the House of Representatives on appropriate legislative action.’’ Dogora said the terms also include reviewing all existing laws, determining obsolete, outdated and spent laws in the country’s statute books for the purpose of deleting or repealing same by the National Assembly. He said the committee was also to assist the speaker and the House of Representatives in crafting the bills necessary to achieve the objectives of the committee. “It will identify and draft new bills on critical sectors of the Nigerian economy consistent with the Legislative Agenda of the 8th House of Representatives. “Also, the committee will identify and advise the speaker and the House of Representatives on domestication of all pending treaties, protocols and agreements. “It also includes any other recommendation or advice that the committee may consider necessary or expedient within the context of the subject matter of this assignment,’’he said. Members of the committee are Reps. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Razak Atunwa, Ken Chikere, Madubueze Peter Obiano, Olabode Ayorinde and Simon Arabo. Others are NBA President Austin Alegeh, NBA Secretary Afam Osigwe, Prof. C. O. Okonkwo, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo and Prof. Joash Amupitan. Also in the committee are Dr Ladi Hamalai, the Director-General, National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), Prof. Okechukwu Oko and Dr S. A. Danwanka, as well as Prof. Ade Adekunle, the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Also, Kefas Magaji, the acting Chairman, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Mrs Oguneye, Secretary, Nigerian Law Reform Commission are on the list. Mr M. A. Sani Omolori, Clerk, House of Representatives, the Director, Legal, National Assembly and C. I. D. Maduabum, office of the speaker are members. The speaker then urged the members to feel free to co-opt any other persons or authority relevant to their assignment because they were expected to submit a report within 60 days.

Source: http://www.today.ng/news/dogara-inaugurates-committee-to-review-existing-laws-and-law-reform/

Nice one dogara..do ur thing dont mind gbajabiamila nd co ;DNice one dogara..do ur thing dont mind gbajabiamila nd co