… Confirms presence of reform teams in 29 States
The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata-led committee on justice reform has resolved to continue consultation and collaborations with institutions in the justice system, in order to build on the gains recorded by the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Nigeria.
Apata who gave this assurance in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday at the 3-Day Network of Justice Sector Reforms Teams Conference added that his ministry with the support of development partners would continue to drive ACJA in order to promote the rule of law.
Represented by Director, Criminal Justice department, Mrs Maria Austin-Odigie, Apata who doubles as the Chairman, Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC) hinted that Ogun and Rivers state has joined the league of reform states, saying the number of states has since increased to 29.
While reiterating its committee readiness to continue with its nation-wide train the trainer workshop for the institutions covered by Section 29, 33 and 34 of the ACJA, he appealed to the state reform teams to continue to use the adopted templates and protocol in their respective states.
In his address, the Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said the meetings provided a practical framework for the sharing of ideas and important developments in the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Represented by the Chief Judge and Attorney General of Ekiti state, Olawale Fapouhunda, the governor pointed out that his state has evolved a reform agenda capable of meeting the expectations of the people in order to promote fair and equal access to justice for all.
He said, “lndeed in my view, the most important objective of this initiative is the sharing of information and expertise of the situation of justice sector reform in our states.
“For us in Ekiti State, the reform of the administration of justice system is not simply a theoretical concept or one that is all about law and justice.
The workshop which was organized by the ministry in conjunction with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council.
