Cross section of participants at the CLEEN Foundation CSOs Observatory Platform on implementation of ACJA In Sokoto.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), CLEEN Foundation with support from Mac Arthur Foundation have affirmed that bad governance, weak institutions and impunity are products of corruption in any society.
The Senior Programme Manager of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Benard Ekobay, stated this during the launch of a civil society observatory group, which was created to ensure the implementation and compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law”(ACJA) in Sokoto.
Mr. Ekobay noted that there are disturbing degree of awaiting trials because the right things are not been done.
He said 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.
Mr. Peter said ACJA is 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.
He 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 Peter said it brings together diverse range of relevant stakeholders including civil society organizations, human rights groups and legal experts amongst others.
The CLEEN Foundation boss, who was represented by the 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”.
“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 adjournment”.
“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 in the country covering eight focal states Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kastina, Kwara, Cross River, Edo and Delta states respectively”, he said.
