A bill for an Act to Repeal the Coroners Act CAP C17 laws of the Federal 2004 and Re-Enact the Coroners Systems Act and other Related Matters 2023

By Ejiro Emmanuel.

Monday January 15, 2024.

Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)

Sponsor By Senator Prince Ned Nwoko

In this reportage, I, Ejiro Emmanuel, reporting for Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), would like to discuss the profitability of a bill sponsored by Senator Prince Ned Nwoko titled "A bill for an Act to Repeal the Coroners Act CAP C17 laws of the Federal 2004 and Re-Enact the Coroners Systems Act and other Related Matters 2023." This bill has the potential to bring about significant improvements to the coroners' system in Nigeria.

Firstly, the bill aims to establish an improved coroners system by repealing and re-enacting the existing Coroners Act. This move would enhance the legal framework related to coroners' investigations, particularly in determining the cause of death in suspicious cases. By ensuring impartiality, fairness, and transparency in death investigations, a robust coroners system would contribute to strengthening the rule of law and the overall justice system in Nigeria.

Moreover, the bill seeks to address deficiencies or gaps in the existing legislation, thereby enhancing investigation practices. It may introduce updated provisions for evidence gathering, post-mortem examinations, and witness testimonies. These improvements can lead to more accurate and reliable findings, ultimately benefiting law enforcement agencies, judicial processes, and criminal investigations. Public trust and confidence in the justice system would be bolstered as a result.

Transparency and accountability would also be prioritized under this bill. Clear guidelines for the selection, appointment, and qualifications of coroners would be outlined, ensuring that competent professionals are entrusted with conducting investigations. Additionally, mechanisms for oversight and review of coroners' decisions might be established to prevent any potential misconduct or abuse of power.

The impact of a well-functioning coroners system extends beyond the legal realm. By providing a reliable method for determining the cause of death, such a system can help in reducing speculation and rumors surrounding certain deaths, fostering public confidence. Families of the deceased would find solace in knowing that a proper investigation has taken place, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of communities and fostering social stability and trust.

The profitability of Senator Prince Ned Nwoko's bill lies in its potential to improve the legal framework, investigation practices, transparency, accountability, and socioeconomic impact of the coroners' system in Nigeria. By addressing the shortcomings of the existing legislation, the bill aims to enhance the overall justice system. As Godwin Obire, SA on Political Matters to Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North Senatorial District), commend the efforts of Senator Nwoko in sponsoring this bill and believe that its passage would greatly benefit the nation.