Imo law: ACJL 2020: Section 484 did not pass through Imo House of Assembly-Lawmaker

….Says it cannot stand

Member representing Mbaitoli in Imo State of house assembly, Rt. Hon Okey Onyekanma said that the controversial ACJL which Gov. Uzodimma’s assented,didn’t passed before the state house of assembly.

According to the lawmaker he said that the strange Section 484 which allows suspects to be detained at the pleasure of the governor is unjust and unfair.

The statement read in full ,” I want to use this opportunity to inform the good people of Mbaitoli State Constituency and by extension, all Imo people, that I am not privy to the clandestine insertion of some obnoxious, vexatious, and anti-democratic clauses to the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law Amendment Bill 2020 which was purportedly passed by the Imo State House of Assembly, and signed into law by the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma..”

“My position is clear. The strange Section 484 which allows suspects to be detained at the pleasure of the governor is unjust and unfair.
It also provides that a person must obtain a license before he or she is released. These stipulations were not in any shape or form part of the draft bill which was enacted by the Imo State House of Assembly, where I am an active and punctual member.
The bill stated on “Order” in place other than “Prison or Mental Asylum and not at the pleasure of the Governor”,,”Onyekanma maintained.

“The injection of the toxic clauses into the ACJL is the height of absurdity. It intends to create a climate of terror in the state and make Imo a desert of totalitarianism in an oasis of democracy.”

“The obnoxious clauses have rendered the so-called law unacceptable. It cannot stand.”

“I appeal to everybody to remain calm. As your representative, I have started liaising with other lawmakers who feel equally scandalized by this possible case of forgery to earnestly begin the process of repealing the rogue section which conflicts with democratic ethos.
As always, I will continue to reflect and pursue the aspirations of our people. I will not relent from sponsoring, co-sponsoring bills, and tabling motions that aim to improve the lives and wellbeing of our people. Likewise, I will resist and oppose any plot to erode civil liberties and fundamental human rights in our beloved state.”, he concluded.