A public interest lawyer, President Aigbokhan, has threatened to take legal action against the Edo State Government if it continues with its policy of sales of e-copy of its laws.
He called on the State Government to stop the sale of soft copy of the state laws on the website of Edo State Ministry of Justice particularly where there is no hard cover copy of the law in public libraries and places.
According to Aigbokhan, “the practice tends to envelop these laws and thereby encumber free access to same and by extension justice.” He added that “government’s duty extends beyond mere legislation. The legislature passes the law, the executive executes the law by promotion and the judiciary interprets the law. The three arms of government collectively enforce compliance. The exercise of the above-mentioned powers by these arms without access to these laws by the citizens is a world fool.”
According to Aigbokhan, laws serve as instruments of social change and control and unrestricted access encourages voluntary compliance and active civic participation as well-informed citizens are more likely to engage in civic activities, contributing positively to the community and access to laws by payment of fees undermines democracy and it’s tenents.
In a letter dated 27th December, 2023 and served on the Governor of Edo State same date, he admonished the Governor not to charge a fee for accessing e-copy of the laws of the state as access to electronic laws introduces an unwarranted financial impediment, particularly affecting the pro-poor and also that it contradicts an inclusive approach that underlays the trust of his administration.
He urged the State Government to consider the legal landscape that thrives on innovation and progressive research and the impact of limited access to electronic laws will have and it’s toll on legal professionals, scholars and researchers.
He urged the Edo State Government to immediately reverse the policy and failure will lead to a challenge of the government and it’s closed law policy both in national and international courts.
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