By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), CLEEN Foundation, with support from MacArthur Foundation, has affirmed that bad governance, weak institutions and impunity are products of corruption in any society.
Speaking during the launch of a "Civil Society Observatory Group" towards Efficient Implementation and Compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law"(ACJA) in Sokoto, Mr Benard Ekobay, noted that there are disturbing degree of awaiting trials because the right things are not been done.
Ekobay, who is the Senior Programme Manager of CLEEN Foundation, noted that under normal circumstances, there should be a careful and comprehensive investigation into any reported case before arrest is made and not arrest before investigation.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, affirmed that the main objectives of the ACJA, as found in Section 1 of the Act, are to promote efficient management of criminal justice institutions, provide speedy dispensation of justice, and protect the society from crime, while defending the rights and the interest of the defendant and the victim.
Continuing, Mr Gad said ACJA)L also aimed at a deliberate shift from punishment as the main goal of criminal justice to restorative justice, which pays attention to the needs of the society, the victims, vulnerable persons and human dignity.
He therefore submitted that establishing a civil society observatory group on ACJA reform to independently monitor the compliance rate of stakeholders is a critical step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the country.
Mr Gad however appealed for strong commitment from stakeholders, as that will help towards having a clear governance structure that is focused on achieving tangible outcomes.
On the composition of the observatory group, Mr Gad said it brings together diverse range of relevant stakeholders including civil society organizations, human rights groups and legal experts amongst others.
Mr Gad represented by CLEEN Foundation's Finance Assistant, Mr Chijioke Kaja, reaffirmed that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in holding government to account.
"They are advocates and watchdogs for the promotion of human rights and adherence to the rule of law, and act as mobilizers and educators of the public".
Continuing, Mr Gad said, "Through the observatory platforms, we will keep an eye on the abuse of court processes, unprofessional conduct of judges, courts attendants and law enforcement personnel, outdated processes and procedures leading to other challenges such as arbitrary and unlawful arrest/detentions and congested prisons, increasing numbers of awaiting trial/death row inmates, vicious circle of impunity, and incessant delays in case hearing caused by prolonged adjournments".
"This initiative aims to bring together civil society organizations and stakeholders to foster collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge exchange for efficient implementation and compliance of ACJA/L in the country covering eight focal states Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kastina, Kwara, Crossriver, Edo and Delta states respectively". NNL.
