BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
Stakeholders at a recent security workshop expressed concerns over the management and operations of the Nigeria Police Force, calling for urgent reforms to enhance service delivery and public trust.
The workshop, organized by the CLEEN Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation, brought together various stakeholders to discuss challenges in the nation’s policing system and explore potential solutions.
The event which was held in Asaba, Delta State, highlighted the need for citizens’ engagement in the promotion of justice and the enforcement of effective security measures.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, represented by Programme Officer Mr. Nnamdi Odo, emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to public peace and security in Nigeria. Mr. Peter underscored the importance of getting policing right to ensure a better Nigeria.
“For the past twenty-five years, the CLEEN Foundation has been at the forefront of advocating for reforms in the nation’s security system,” Mr. Peter said. He stressed that citizen engagement is crucial in addressing the current challenges facing law enforcement in the country.
According to the Delta State Coordinator of the Observatory Group, Mr. Chuks Okpunor, echoed highlighted the group’s ongoing efforts to engage with key actors in the state’s security and judicial systems. He noted that their work with the police, correctional services, and the state Ministry of Justice aims to push for meaningful reforms in Delta’s criminal justice system.
In a goodwill message, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Sonia Unobunjo, commended CLEEN Foundation for its role in promoting public safety and justice. She praised the foundation’s efforts in raising awareness and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure access to justice for all, regardless of background or circumstance.
“Your focus on ensuring access to justice for those in need is a beacon of hope for many who seek fairness and equity,” Mrs. Unobunjo stated.
Similarly Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Asaba Branch, Mr. Precious Nwadimuya, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of police reform and accountability. He noted that laws in Nigeria, including the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACTL) 2022, apply to everyone regardless of social class, tribe, or religion. He urged security agencies to uphold ethical standards in their operations to foster a peaceful society and economy.
Mr. Nwadimuya highlighted that the ACJA 2015 serves as a guide for just and efficient administration of criminal justice, emphasizing the need to protect the fundamental rights of all participants, especially defendants facing charges.
The event was concluded with a collective call for comprehensive reforms in the Nigeria Police Force to enhance accountability, improve public safety, and ensure justice for all citizens.
