More Judges, Better Welfare: Delta Assembly Advances Key Bills
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Two Judicial Bills Receive Legislative Approval
THE Delta State House of Assembly has approved two bills designed to expand the state’s judicial capacity and improve the administration of justice.
The measures target the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal.
The House passed the Delta State High Court Amendment Bill, 2026 and the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal Amendment Bill, 2026 during Wednesday’s plenary.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor presided over the sitting.
The House also considered the proposed Delta State Payment of Thirteenth-Month Salary Bill, 2026, which passed its second reading.
Proposed Increase Targets Case Backlog
Presenting the High Court amendment, the Acting Leader of the House, Hon. Charles Emetulu, said the existing number of judges was inadequate to handle the increasing workload.
The bill proposes an increase in the number of High Court judges from 45 to 50, including the Chief Judge.
Lawmakers supported the proposal and linked the increase to improved justice delivery.
They maintained that adding five judges would ease pressure on existing judicial officers. They also said it would help reduce delays in the determination of cases.
The House then suspended relevant rules and passed the bill after its third reading.
Customary Court Capacity to Expand
The Assembly similarly approved an increase in the number of judges serving on the Customary Court of Appeal.
The amendment seeks to raise the number from nine to 12.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the measure.
According to the legislators, the additional judicial officers would strengthen the court and improve its ability to handle cases promptly.
The House suspended the relevant rules before taking the bill through its third reading and passing it.
Lawmakers Support Workers’ 13th-Month Pay
Attention also turned to the proposed 13th-month salary legislation.
Members backed the bill during its second-reading debate and praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for introducing the proposal.
The lawmakers said the initiative could improve workers’ welfare and provide additional financial support during the festive season.
They argued that legislation would give the payment a statutory foundation. In their view, that would make it an entitlement rather than a discretionary gesture.
Members also said the proposal could improve workers’ morale and ease financial pressures associated with the festive period.
They further claimed that Delta could become the first Nigerian state to establish a statutory framework for 13th-month salary payments.
Salary Bill Faces Further Legislative Scrutiny
Despite the support, the 13th-month salary proposal remains a bill and has not become law.
After the second-reading debate, Speaker Guwor referred it to the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges.
The committee must scrutinise the proposal and report its findings to the House at the next sitting.
The Speaker commended lawmakers for their contributions and cooperation during the proceedings.
He particularly acknowledged their support in advancing the two judicial amendment bills aimed at strengthening justice administration in Delta State.
