CLEEN Foundation holds Dialogue in Bauchi, calls for continues assessment, reform of ACJA framework

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

A Non-governmental Organization known as Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) Foundation has called for continues assessment and reform of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of the foundation, Mr Gad Peter made the call in his welcoming remark during a 2-Day Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice Regime held in Bauchi on Tuesday.

Gad Peter who pointed out that ACJA is a cornerstone of any society, providing the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholding of public trust, said that the framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equitably.

“Today’s dialogue focuses on three fundamental pillars: gender, accountability, and transparency”, Mr Peter said during the dialogue which had representatives of Police, Civil Defense, Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, Media, Judiciary, legal practitioners, among others in attendance.

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 Foundation’s Executive Director further observed that women and individuals from marginalized genders often face unique challenges and biases within the criminal justice process.

Gad Peter noted that addressing the issues alone is not only the right thing to do but critical to achieving a truly just system.

He observed that 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”, Peter noted.

He also said without robust mechanisms for accountability, injustices go unchecked, thereby, eroding public confidence and undermining the rule of law.

The Executive Director who stressed that transparency is the bedrock of democratic governance and justice, submitted that when the processes and decisions of criminal justice are transparent, they invite scrutiny, encourage fairness, and deter misconduct.

Gad Peter while reiterating that transparency ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done, maintaining the public’s trust in our legal institutions, also said that the dialogue will delve into the critical areas with the expertise and insights of panelists and participants.

Mr Peter who added that through the discussions, gaps could be identified and the participants would share best practices and formulate actionable strategies to enhance gender fairness, enforce accountability, and ensure transparency in criminal justice systems.

The CLEEN Executive Director who noted that the participation and contributions of the stakeholders in the criminal justice system are valuable, expressed optimisms that, together, they can work towards a criminal justice system that is not only effective and fair but also reflective of collective commitment to justice and equality for all.

CLEEN Foundation urges continues assessment, reform of ACJA framework

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

A Non-governmental Organization known as Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) Foundation has called for continues assessment and reform of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of the foundation, Mr Gad Peter made the call in his welcoming remark during a 2-Day Policy Dialogue on Gender Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice Regime held in Bauchi on Tuesday.

Gad Peter who pointed out that ACJA is a cornerstone of any society, providing the framework for the rule of law, protection of rights, and upholding of public trust, said that the framework must be continually assessed and reformed to ensure it serves all community members equitably.

“Today’s dialogue focuses on three fundamental pillars: gender, accountability, and transparency”, Mr Peter said during the dialogue which had representatives of Police, Civil Defense, Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, Media, Judiciary, legal practitioners, among others in attendance.

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 Foundation’s Executive Director further observed that women and individuals from marginalized genders often face unique challenges and biases within the criminal justice process.

Gad Peter noted that addressing the issues alone is not only the right thing to do but critical to achieving a truly just system.

He observed that 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”, Peter noted.

He also said without robust mechanisms for accountability, injustices go unchecked, thereby, eroding public confidence and undermining the rule of law.

The Executive Director who stressed that transparency is the bedrock of democratic governance and justice, submitted that when the processes and decisions of criminal justice are transparent, they invite scrutiny, encourage fairness, and deter misconduct.

Gad Peter while reiterating that transparency ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done, maintaining the public’s trust in our legal institutions, also said that the dialogue will delve into the critical areas with the expertise and insights of panelists and participants.

Mr Peter who added that through the discussions, gaps could be identified and the participants would share best practices and formulate actionable strategies to enhance gender fairness, enforce accountability, and ensure transparency in criminal justice systems.

The CLEEN Executive Director who noted that the participation and contributions of the stakeholders in the criminal justice system are valuable, expressed optimisms that, together, they can work towards a criminal justice system that is not only effective and fair but also reflective of collective commitment to justice and equality for all.