Stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) and advocates for justice reform system have called on Sokoto State Government to established a committee on implementation of ACJL.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end two-day Stakeholders Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency organized by CLEEN Foundation in Sokoto.
In the Communique read by Malam Rabi’u Gandi, participants emphasized
the need to make the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to be chaired by the Chief Judge in order to make it more functional.
They called for provision of adequate budgetary provisions for the MDAs on the implementation of ACJL and relevant policies in the state.
According to them the committee would help to addressing the variance in the implementation of ACJL and improve the criminal justice system in Sokoto state.
The group advocated for efforts to strengthen the existing systems for collecting, monitoring and reporting data related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
They further sought the need for more engagement in advocacy to relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of gender equality initiatives.
Participants suggested for development of implementation strategy on gender justice and responsive initiatives and ensure effective implementation of existing laws, policies and regulations.
The group agreed that implementation of the recommendations in compliance with relevant laws would improve gender responsiveness and inclusivity in Sokoto state.
Participants decried on inadequate awareness on Gender Policy, Violence Against Prohibition of Persons (VAPP) laws as well as inadequate training of law enforcement agency on the importance of gender lens in discharging their responsibilities.
They lamented that inadequate collaboration and synergy among law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the administration of the criminal justice system in the state.
Participants called for addressing gender disparities in criminal justice system regarding workforce, health condition, career enhancement, and promotions.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, said the administration of criminal justice is a cornerstone of any society, providing the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholding of public trust.
Maduoma, represented by Dr Gabriel Akinremi, said the dialogue was initiated to focused on the actors and government agencies saddled with the responsibilities of implementing the provisions of ACJL, 2019, particularly on Gender Transparency and Accountability.
He stressed that the framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equitably.
He commended participants for fruitful discussions that identified gaps, shared best practices, and formulate actionable strategies to enhance gender fairness, enforce accountability, and ensure transparency in our criminal justice systems.
Newsmen reports that the dialogue brought together relevant actors in the criminal justice value chain that comprised officers from Nigerian Correctional Service.
Others were from Ministry of Justice, FIDA, Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Other also included Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ministry for Women and Children Affairs and Journalists.
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