BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in Delta State has called for more effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Asaba, which marked the conclusion of a three-day workshop organized by the CLEEN Foundation, with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the committee, Mr. Patrick Osisioma, expressed concerns over the committee’s inability to function effectively due to a lack of funding.
The State Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Anthony Ororhoro, also highlighted the need for virtual hearing facilities in high courts across the state. He noted that incorporating digital tools into the judicial process would improve the speed of trials and help reduce congestion in correctional centers.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Peter Maduoma, noted that the lack of financial support for the ACJMC had slowed down the implementation of the ACJ Law in Delta State.
Maduoma, who was represented by the foundation’s assistant programme officer, Mrs. Esther Ezebuiro-Anozie, stated that the workshop aimed to strengthen institutional frameworks and ensure better collaboration among stakeholders to sustain reforms in the justice sector. He emphasized that despite efforts to improve the system, the slow implementation of the ACJL remained a major concern due to a lack of funding.
He further explained that CLEEN Foundation has been working with key stakeholders across eight states in Nigeria to promote the effective implementation of the law. The engagement, he noted, provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, exchange experiences, and develop strategies to overcome existing challenges. He called for a renewed commitment from all parties involved in justice sector reforms to ensure that the gains made so far are not lost.
The workshop, which featured discussions on strengthening the criminal justice system, was attended by representatives from the Delta State Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigerian Bar Association, FIDA, NSCDC, ACJMC the media, and civil society organizations. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing justice sector reforms and urged the state government to prioritize the release of funds for the ACJMC to effectively carry out its mandate.
