Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assented to four laws recently passed by the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, including the Abia State University Amendment No. 2 Law No. 4 of 2026, which empowers the executive arm of government to relocate the Umuahia Campus of Abia State University (ABSU) to its main campus in Uturu.

The other laws are the Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026, the Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026, and the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 6 of 2026.

Speaking during the assent ceremony at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Otti explained that the amendment to the Abia State University Law was aimed at reducing administrative costs and enabling students currently studying at the Umuahia Campus to benefit from the infrastructure and other investments being provided at the university’s main campus in Uturu.

The Governor noted that the absence of stringent penalties for certain offences under existing laws sometimes made it difficult for his administration to implement some of its policies effectively. He cited laws relating to narcotics and hard drugs as examples of areas requiring stronger legal provisions and consequences for offenders.

Governor Otti commended members of the 8th Abia State House of Assembly for their thorough legislative work, as well as members of the judiciary and other critical stakeholders for their contributions to the development of the laws. He assured that his administration was committed to ensuring strict compliance with the laws of the state.

Earlier, while presenting the bills to the Governor for assent, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the four laws as important legislative measures with significant implications for governance and the justice system.

He said the laws were designed to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote restorative justice and improve the administration of justice in the state.

On the Abia State University Amendment Law, Chief Emeruwa explained that the amendment was intended to address issues arising from the university’s existing administrative and campus arrangements.

He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting the Otti-led administration in promoting effective governance and strengthening public institutions across the state.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, said the four laws were designed to strengthen criminal justice administration, protect citizens and improve access to justice in Abia State.

He explained that the three justice-related laws address criminal conduct, the handling of criminal cases and mechanisms for repairing harm caused by crime.

According to the Attorney-General, the reforms respond to public concerns about cultism, violence, kidnapping, the destruction of public infrastructure, sexual violence and delays in criminal proceedings.

He noted that the Criminal Law strengthens measures against cultism by addressing membership, sponsorship, meetings and the management of unlawful societies and secret cults, while extending the relevant provisions beyond educational institutions to communities.