Igalamela/ Odolu : A Bill to Establish A Legally Recognised Magistrate Court Sponsored By Cosmas Atabor Scales Second Reading At The Kogi State House of Assembly (KSHA)

The legal system of a nation is critical to maintenance of law and order in that nation or state. No doubt,  the legal  order, justice and development of the masses depend on it.

 Four (4) things , according to an ancient Greek philosopher belongs to a magistrate/ Judge – (1) To hear courteously (2) to answer wisely (3) to consider soberly and (4) to decide impartially.  However, the magistrate/Judge cannot earn the respect of who appear before it without an enabling power to prove its quality like the gentle rain from heaven. 

It is in recognition of this truth, Hon Cosmos Attabo , a Legal Practitioner by profession and Lawmaker representing Igalamela/Odolu L.G at the KSHA, Lokoja initiated a  bill  to establish Magistrate Courts for Kogi State; to appoint Magistrates and for other purposes in connection with the administration of justice. In fact , the private member bill, sponsored by the lawmaker has passed second reading on the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly.

In an interview with newsmen, the Lawmaker Hon. Cosmos assured his constituent an open door policy, never  to be far away from their plight . 

All efforts will be put in place to address the primary needs of the people in return of the confidence reposed on him to represent them at the hallowed chamber. This is affirmed by the fact, he has launched a business support programme for the good people of Igalamela/ Odolu LG. This ranges from the level of Market Women, Youth, Older women who have a passion for trade but lack the requisite financial status.

“The magistrate court have always existed on every state.The court are suppose to have an enabling law superintending over their activities in that state. In Kogi State, we have never had it. That is where we have the problem.” : Barrister Cosmos said

 “Magistrate Court have being operating with an extension of the area court laws, administration of criminal justice law. But the magistrate as a body have never had their own enabling status. And that is what we are trying to achieve. Today thankfully, it has passed the second reading and by the time we go through the public hearing ... for the third and finally reading “ He added

- Inah Stephen Eyiene, Reporting for, Hon. Cosmos Attabo Info. Centre