Judiciary
STAKEHOLDERS in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) have called for the implementation of gender laws, policies and regulations in Sokoto State.
The call is contained in a communique read by Malam Rabi’u Gandi, an ACJL stakeholder, at the end a two-day Stakeholders Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency organised by CLEEN Foundation in Sokoto.
Participants called for more efforts in addressing gender disparities in criminal justice system regarding workforce, health condition, career enhancement, and promotions.
They decried inadequate awareness on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Laws, as well as inadequate training for law enforcement agents on the importance of inculcating gender lens in discharging their responsibilities.
They called for the development on implementation strategy of gender justice and responsive initiatives and ensure effective implementation of existing laws, policies and regulations.
They agreed that implementation of the recommendations in compliance with relevant laws would improve gender responsiveness and inclusivity in Sokoto state.
Stakeholders also called for efforts to strengthen the existing systems for collecting, monitoring and reporting data related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
They further called for more engagement in advocacy to relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of gender equality initiatives.
Participants emphasised the need to constitute an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to be chaired by the Chief Judge of Sokoto, in order to make it more functional.
They called for provision of adequate budgetary provisions for Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the implementation of ACJL and relevant policies in the state.
They expressed worry over inadequate collaboration and synergy among law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the administration of the criminal justice system in the state.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Peter Maduoma, said 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.
Maduoma, represented by Dr Gabriel Akinremi, said the dialogue was initiated to focused on the actors and government agencies saddled with the responsibilities of implementing the provisions of ACJL, 2019, particularly on Gender Transparency and Accountability.
He stressed that the framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equitably.
He commended participants for fruitful discussions that identified gaps, shared best practices, and formulate actionable strategies to enhance gender fairness, enforce accountability, and ensure transparency in our criminal justice systems.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue brought together relevant actors in the criminal justice value chain that comprised officers from Nigerian Correctional Service.
Others were from the Ministry of Justice, FIDA, Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Others also included representatives of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ministry for Women and Children Affairs and Journalists. (NAN) (
7th October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Administration of Criminal Justice Law Malam Rabi’u Gandi
