By Lucky Isibor
The Executive Director of Uromi Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), Very Rev Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo has appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, members of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), other state actors and non-state actors in the justice sector to collaborate and see to the effective implementation of the Edo State Administration of Criminal Justice (Law) ACJL in the state.
Fr. Arhedo made the appeal in his opening remarks at an engagement meeting and learning session the Uromi JDPCI had with traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, members of the Bar, CSOs and other critical stakeholders on the implementation of the ACJL, held on Thursday, 14 November at the Chancery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin.
The engagement meeting and learning session is part of the implementation of a component of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) project being financed by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and its resource partners.
Arhedo who pointed out that the engagement which was aimed at creating awareness among the stakeholders on the implementation of the ACJL in Edo State, noted that the law was in place to reform the criminal justice system in the state with a view to protecting the rights of citizens, particularly the vulnerable in the society adding that plea bargaining, suspended sentencing, parole and Non-Custodial Sentencing measures as contained in the ACJL should be operationalised to decongest correctional facilities and reduce court dockets.
“The Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL) serves as a critical framework aimed at reforming the
criminal justice system in Edo state and Nigeria at large, ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected and that the process of justice is fair and efficient. However, plea bargaining that is designed to reduce court backlogs and expedite legal proceedings, is underutilized due to misconceptions. Suspended sentencing and noncustodial options, which could significantly reduce overcrowding in our correctional centers, are not being fully employed because of inadequate awareness of these provisions. Parole, which provides a pathway for offenders to reintegrate into society under supervision, remains underused due to inadequate infrastructure and awareness”.
While thanking the International IDEA that is implementation the RoLAC programme and European Union for funding the programme, the clergyman enumerated the challenges facing the implementation of ACJL, just as he listed the steps the Uromi JDPCI has planned to surmount those challenges in the implementation of the law.
“Am grateful to our partners and supporters; Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme supported by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) with funding from European Union who have worked tireessly to make this event possible.
“The challenges, as we all know, are many. During our roundtable discussion with journalists, we heard of the persistent issues that continue to hinder the full realization of the ACJL’s objectives. Issues like limited public awareness, inconsistencies in enforcement, and the need for ongoing capacity building among law enforcement officers and judicial actors. These challenges remain at the heart of our conversation today, but they are not insurmountable.
“In today’s session, we will focus on addressing these challenges head on through: Capacity building for law enforcement officers and judicial personnel to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to apply the ACJL in a manner that is both just and humane
Engagement with traditional and religious leaders, who are not just custodians of culture and religion but also key influencers in their communities and congregations, to ensure that the provisions of the law resonate with the values of justice, fairness, and equity that are core to our local traditions and religious practices. Public awareness and education campaigns to empower citizens with the knowledge of their legal rights, and to build trust in the justice system by ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
“Law enforcement agencies must be equipped to handle cases in a way that respects human dignity, while community leaders must champion justice at the grassroots level. Additionally, we must ensure that our courts operate efficiently and that alternatives to custodial sentencing, such as parole and plea bargaining, are effectively utilized to reduce the burden on our correctional facilities.
Charging the participants on the way forward, Arhedo said, “We must continue to explore how we can institutionalize accountability and transparency mechanisms, how we can use independent oversight to ensure compliance with the ACJL, and how we can address rights violations, especially in cases of unawful detention. Through these efforts, we wil not only enhance public trust in the justice system but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting peace and development in our communities”.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Mallam Fatai Enabulele, said the implementation of the ACJL is long overdue because there are a lot of persons languishing in the Correctional Centres for minor offenses that could have been possibly resolved using the ACJL.
Also delivering his goodwill message, the Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), O. B. Woghiren (Esq) represented by the Deputy Director, Mr. Vincent Omuedi, assured that the agency will do all in its power to take the sensitization message to the nooks and crannies of the state as it’s obvious that the majority of persons are not aware of the ACJL.
While alleging that that money meant to take care of the inmates in our Correctional Centres is sometimes embezzled, he urged the managers of these centres to allow the fear of God be their watchwords.
On his part, the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State chapter, Apostle General, Dr. Irekpono Omoike, commended the Catholic church for being in the vanguard of promoting fairness, equity and justice in the country.
Also, the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, represented by the secretary of the council, Mr. Andy Egbon, lauded the JDPCI for being steadfast in its drive to ensure that the members of the public are fully aware of the ACJL in the state.
All the participating organisations, security agencies and state actors in the justice sector committed to partnering with Uromi JDPCI in creating public awareness on the implementation of the ACJL.