Bill to establish Magistrate courts passes second reading at Kwara Assembly
The Kwara State House of Assembly took a pivotal step on Wednesday by passing the second reading of the Magistrate Court Establishment Bill 2025.
The legislation aims to set up Magistrate Courts throughout the state, alongside outlining the appointment process and working conditions for magistrates.
House leader Hon. AbdulKadir Magaji, who championed the bill, expressed its significance, saying, “The role of a Magistrate’s court in providing accessible justice for everyday legal issues is crucial in our society.”
Supporting the bill, several lawmakers, including Hon. Ganiyu Salahu from Omu-Ipo Constituency and Hon. Arinola Lawal from Ilorin East, emphasized that its passage would ensure fair remuneration and a better working environment for magistrates.
They described the bill as a necessary and long-overdue measure, acknowledging the crucial function of Magistrate Courts in handling minor criminal and civil cases, as well as preliminary hearings for more serious offenses.
Following the discussions, Speaker Engr. Yakubu Saliu Danladi directed clerk Alh. Ahmed Olayiwola to read the bill a second time for the official record, and then referred the bill to the House Committee on Etiquettes and Privileges for a public hearing and subsequent review.
Source: LEADERSHIP
