The Abia State House of Assembly has recorded a major legislative milestone with the passage of four landmark bills aimed at strengthening the state’s criminal justice system, regulating the property sector, and enhancing access to justice.
The bills, passed during plenary on Today, include the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority Bill, the Abia State Criminal Law Bill, the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, and the Abia State Restorative Justice Bill.
The passage followed their consideration by the Committee of the Whole, while the Abia State Basic Environmental (Amendment No. 3) Bill, 2026 successfully scaled its first reading.
Speaking after the bills were passed, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, said the new laws would take effect from August 3, 2026, upon receiving the Governor’s assent.
He congratulated his colleagues for what he described as another significant legislative achievement, expressing confidence that the laws would improve governance, justice delivery, and social order across the state.
The Abia State Criminal Law Bill, Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, and Restorative Justice Bill were sponsored by the Majority Leader and Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
During earlier debates on the bills, the lawmaker described the Criminal Law Bill as “a child of necessity,” noting that the existing criminal law had become outdated and no longer reflected the realities of modern society.
According to him, the new Criminal Law will close existing legal gaps, strengthen the protection of lives and property, and provide a more effective legal framework for combating crime in Abia State.
On the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, Hon. Kalu said the legislation would ensure faster dispensation of criminal cases, improve the efficiency of the justice system, safeguard the rights of complainants, defendants, suspects, and witnesses, and guarantee fair hearing for all parties involved in criminal proceedings.
The Majority Leader further explained that the Restorative Justice Bill seeks to provide a victim-centred approach to justice by ensuring that victims of crime receive appropriate remedies while offenders are held accountable for the harm they cause.
He noted that the law would promote reconciliation, healing, and lasting peace within communities.
The Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority Bill, jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, and the Member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Hon. Mandela Obasi, establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority.
The law is designed to regulate real estate practice, protect the rights of landlords and tenants, oversee the activities of property agents, and address other related matters within the housing sector.
Also during the plenary, the House gave first reading to the Abia State Basic Environmental (Amendment No. 3) Bill, 2026, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker.
The lawmakers also considered the report of the Joint Committee on Lands and Housing and Public Petitions on a petition filed by Mrs. Elizabeth Uchenna Emezue, seeking the recovery of Plot No. R/127 at Government Station Layout, allegedly allocated to her for residential purposes.
The report, presented by Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, was adopted as the House’s working document and referred to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action.
Earlier, the House received the Abia State Financial Statement for the year ended 2025, submitted by the Accountant-General of the State. The document was referred to the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance for detailed legislative scrutiny.
The Speaker also welcomed members of the Students’ Representative Council of the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, Aba, led by the Speaker of the 9th Parliament, Hon. Okoro Blessing, who were present in the gallery to observe the legislative proceedings.
The House later adjourned plenary to reconvene on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
