Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated the Monitoring Council for the Administration of Criminal Justice in the state.
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara, during the inauguration, tasked the council to implement the Administration of Criminal Justice for the benefit of everyone.
Adama Iyayi-Laminkara also asked the Administration of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to ensure the criminal justice system to meet the needs of society.
She asked the council to be fair to all while discharging their duties and also appeal to members to actively participate fully in their meetings.
“Our main task as a council is to make sure that the ACJ is implemented to the benefit of all. We must work towards ensuring that our criminal justice system is responsive to the needs of the society by protecting the rights of both the victim, offender and maintaining societal peace and security”.
“To achieve these lofty ideals, I enjoined all members to be committed, participate actively in the meetings and activities of the council and above all familiarize yourselves with the provisions of the law. I am aware that the first orientation workshop for members will take place immediately after the inauguration. I wish you all a very fruitful learning experience” she said.
The Attorney General of Rivers State represented by the Director Prosecution Ibiene Mbano said the inauguration of the council is part of efforts by Rivers State Government to reform the judiciary for the speedy delivery of justice.
The Attorney General also said that the setting up of the Plea Bargain Committee in the State will decongest the correctional centre in Rivers State.
Our correspondent reports that members of the Council include the Attorney General of Rivers State and the Commissioner for Justice, the Department of Public Prosecution, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Legal Aid, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and the Nigeria Correctional Centre.
