BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
A Non-Governmental Organization, CLEEN Foundation in Partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, has called for stakeholders’ engagement in advocacy for accountability and transparency in the administration of the nation’s criminal justice system.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Gad Peter made the call, yesterday, in his remarks at a two-day stakeholders’ workshop on policy dialogue on gender, accountability and transparency held in Asaba.
According to Mr Peter, who was represented by the Programme Officer, Mr Nnamdi Odo, the workshop aimed to share ideas in advancing justice, equality, and integrity within our criminal justice systems.
“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. However, this framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equitably”, Peter said.
Mr. Peter emphasized that the workshop dialogue focuses on three fundamental pillars: gender, accountability, and transparency. According to him, gender equality in criminal justice is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for the credibility and effectiveness of the system.
The Director noted that women and individuals from marginalized genders often face unique challenges and biases within the criminal justice process, adding that addressing the issues remained critical to achieving a truly just system.
He said: “Accountability within the criminal justice system ensures that those who enforce the law are held to the highest standards. It fosters a culture of integrity and trust, both among the practitioners and the public they serve.”
Speaking at the event, the Attorney-General Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), who was represented by the Assistant Director, Mrs Dumebi Unuareokpa, also noted the need for collaboration in advancing meaningful reforms for an effective justice system.
“Every society needs an effective justice system and with the contributions of every stakeholder and support of the state government, we will achieve results. As a major state actor, the Ministry of Justice appreciates the great work the CLEEN Foundation is doing in advancing an equitable justice system in Nigeria”.
In the same vein, the Delta Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Dr. Stella-Maris Mejulu lauded the CLEEN Foundation for its advocacy work in enthroning an egalitarian society in Nigeria.
In her contributions, Senior Legal Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Delta Command, Mrs Paulina Egbon, expressed optimism that the dialogue would help address the key challenges in the nation’s justice system.
