By Paul Okojie
As the call for effective and adequate implementation of ACJL continues across Nigeria by non governmental organizations (CSOs) led by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with Mac Arthur Foundation, stakeholders have been enjoined to increase the awareness of citizens on what ACJL entails and how they can demand for the implementation.
This was said by the program manager of CLEEN Foundation, Mrs Blessing Abiri at the first day of a 2 day training workshop/ Town Hall meeting for ACJL observatory group and key stakeholders at Homeville hotel in Benin City .
According to Mrs. Abiri, the ACJL/AJA project which commenced in June, 2023 had recorded tremendous impact in 33 States in Nigeria with some level of awareness amongst stakeholders and citizens, yet more work needs to be done to achieve the mandate to effectively implement the policy.
Commending the effort of Edo State ACJL Observatory Group which according to her has placed the state amongst the 8 States out of the 33 States in Nigeria which has successfully set up the observatory group charged with the responsibility to raise awareness, monitor the implementation of ACJL/ACJA in the state to sustain the success recorded.
She said the essence of the training is to critically overhaul the journey so far since it started in 2023 and proffer workable strategies that would enhance implementation of ACJL in Edo State.
Also speaking is the program coordinator of CLEEN Foundation in Edo State, Mrs. Eromon Blessing who said that despite the level of effort that has been put in creating awareness of ACJL, members of the observatory group can do more by preaching the gospel of ACJL to all their contacts and ensure that they understand what it contains and make demands where necessary.
She cited examples of how she demanded for justice when a case was brought to her table and how the security operatives cooperated because she quoted the ACJL.
Mrs Eromon charged participants to equip themselves with the information on the ACJL to enable effective tracking and monitoring.
On his part, the State Chairman of ACJL Observatory Group, Dr. Bright Oniovokukor pointed out that the society would be free from crime if the provision of ACJL is adequately understood and complied with by key stakeholders.
He further stressed that despite the level of effort that has been put, there is still a huge gap in awareness amongst citizens which necessary efforts must be put in place to fill by members of the observatory group.
According to him, the urgent need to sustain awareness of ACJL among law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, correctional centers and lawyers becomes very important due to the key role they play in administrying justice in their various professions.
Speaking on the theme. Understanding Policy & Legislative Advocacy and campaign for change, the director of program CLEEN Foundation, Salaudeen Hashim stressed on the need for . the continuous practice of advocacy as a mechanism for influencing policies, position and program including resource allocation
He noted that advocacy is the key element of democratic civil society which people use to communicate their concerns on a particular issue.
He further explain that one of the challenges of ACJL is poor funding ” If adequate monitoring is to be achieved, then clear cut budgeting of resources must be deligently followed”. He stressed.
He however added that team work is the only way Observatory Group on ACJL can achieve its mandate. He enjoined members to join hands with the leadership of the group to sustain the ACJL sensitization.
Highpoint of the training was the interactive section as participants took their turns to make their suggestion stressing more on the need for increased fundinsg for ACJL implementation.