News
Stakeholders clamour for states to domesticate criminal justice act
Agency Reporter
Concerned stakeholders in the judicial sector have called for the domestication of the criminal justice act the every states of the federal to allow for speedy dispensation of justice.
Mr Frank Ijege, Legal Officer, TransparencIT, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) made this known in Abuja at a Public Policy Dialogue on Corruption Cases and Administration of Criminal Justice Act Compliance.
The dialogue was organised by TransapencIT in partnership with Trust Africa.
Ijege noted before the enactment of the act, there had been issues and challenges affecting the speedy completion of matters.
“We are here to discuss issues affecting corruption cases in Nigeria and the administration of criminal justice act.
“Prior to the enactment of this Act, we had issues and challenges affecting the speedy completion of corruption matters so with the advent of the act there are innovations to fast track cases.
” But if we can now have a situation where there is faithful implementation of the act, then the number of days cases last in the court will be reduced drastically and also we are calling for other states to also domesticate this to have their own administration of criminal justice so that cases that has been pending for so many year we can do away with them.”
Ijege also explained that judges handling criminal cases are the same judges that handles normal cases hence the need to have specialised courts to trial matters considering the fact that corruption has eaten deep into our system.
He said establishing specialised courts specifically for handling corruption cases will lead to speedy dispensation of justice.
” This judges are human beings and their diaries are very tight it is possible that they are overwhelmed with the number of cases they handle on a daily basis but if you have specialised court to trial corruption cases, it can ease their work.
“And they will be able to administer justice at the short possible time cases are brought to the court and it will be justice for the society, justice for the defendant and justice for our nation.
” In practice, we discover that a judge has an average of 10-20 cases in a day which comes up for trial but how possible is this judge able to handle this cases,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Henry Anoliefo, Programme Officer, Partners West Africa, Nigeria called for capacity building to criminal justice actors such as the magistrates and the justices.
Anoliefo said that majority of the judicial actors do not know what the provisions of the act is saying, hence the need for the training that will give rise to compliance of the act.
He, therefore, called for more funding as a key player in the success of compliance of the administration of criminal justice act.
Also, Mr Joshua Dada, a lawyer said that the implementation of the act was an impediment to handling corruption cases in the country.
Dada also identified lack of synergy between investigating agencies as problems in the administration of criminal justice in the country.
He further called for the appointment of more judges to handle corruption cases pending in the courts.
He, therefore, called for a committee to be set up to review the administration of the criminal justice act before prosecution in court.
NAN
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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