By: Amaka Madu.
The need for the Civil society organization to rise and ensure accountability from the government in terms of legislation to support Effective criminal justice delivery in Anambra State has been emphasized.
This formed the focal point of discussion in a two days capacity buildings workshop for civil society organisations on legislation to support Effective criminal justice delivery in Anambra State with reference to Administration of criminal justice law 2022 and draft correctional service bill organised by ROLAC in Awka.
Delivering his lecture on Status and chain of criminal justice delivery in Anambra and provisions of the draft correctional services law and ACGL ,A magistrate at criminal justice Administration in the State Dr mike Anyadiegwu explained in details the tenets and make up of the Administration criminal Justice law which he described as A law to repeal and re enact the system of criminal justice Administration in Anambra State and to provide for related matters.Dr Anyadiegwu lamented about the poor funding on the judiciary from Anambra State government which contributes to truncation of justice in relation to the poor infrastructures in the correctional centers in the state which he described as worrisome and leads to small output from the judicial system, highlighting the need for plea bargaining to be taken to correctional centers for inmates who are qualified to apply…which in turn can help to decongest the correctional centers.
The law guru made it clear categorically that the CSo ‘s should be members of the board to monitor the implementation of the law and inturn ensures that they render quarterly returns of the correctional centers.And therefore called on the CSO’s in the state to wake up and advocate for monitoring, evaluation and implementation of the ACGL and other legislative matters for the betterment of the masses who are looking up to them for justice and good governance.Also Mrs Lovet Onyedilefu of Victoria Cliarion Foundation spoke on Roles of the CSO’s in monitoring implementation of legislation where she explained different functions of the CSO’s which includes ensuring that the budget is well taken care of, Ensuring that the Justice system is Operating within the limit and Advice on probation among others.
Earlier in her opening remarks..The State project Coordinator ROLAC in the state Mrs Josephine Onah Explained that ROLAC has been in the fore front of Ensuring that good governance is obtained within the armbits of the law and a stable judicial system in Anambra State and as such one of the reasons for the capacity buildings training for CSO’s.in their reactions Mrs Ugochi freeman of creative minds center for youth and community development and Mrs Eucharia Anekwe of Gender Perspective and Social development appreciated RoLAc 2 for their passion for good governance..and encouraged partipants to reneg on ROLAC activities in the state to contribute to good justice delivery system