Rivers: Gov. Wike signs two bills into law

Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike has signed into law two bills recently passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The two bills are Rivers State Judicial Institute Law No. 8 of 202, and the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers Law, No. 10 of 2021.

Speaking on Tuesday during the signing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said the provision of personal homes for judicial officers of Rivers State origin will serve as a good motivation for them.

He also explained that the law will help promote judicial independence and reduce corruption among judicial officers.

He said “The second bill which I’ve assented to, has to do with the housing scheme. This is where I think, when we talk about autonomy, this is the main autonomy the judiciary should be talking about.

“And in carrying out judicial functions, one thing that gives people hope is shelter. Part of the reasons people are corrupt is that they don’t have the opportunity to own a house where they can put their heads at the end of the day, at retirement.

“So, for us as a government, we believe that one of the things that we do to stop corruption is to allow them to have their own house.”

He added the initiative is different from what Lagos State had done which he said only catered for their judges servicing within the State and not extended to the federal judicial system.

Rivers: Gov. Wike signs two bills into law