By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Executive Director, Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives (JDPCI), Very Rev. Fr. Fidelis Arhedo has canvassed for the effective utilization of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) to address the over burden of the nation’s correctional facilities.
He made the call at the JDPCI engagement meeting and learning session with stakeholders on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law held in Benin.
Rev. Fr. Arhedo said ACJL serves as a critical framework aimed at reforming the criminal justice system in Edo state and Nigeria at large, ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected and that the process of justice is fair and efficient.
Arhedo however said plea bargaining that is designed to reduce court backlogs and expedite legal proceedings is underutilized due to misconceptions.
He said suspended sentencing and non-custodial options which could significantly reduce overcrowding in our correctional centres are not being fully employed because of inadequate awareness of these provisions.
He went on to say that parole which provides a pathway for offenders to reintegrate into society under supervision, remains underused due to inadequate infrastructure and awareness.
In his goodwill message, the Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Barr. O. B. Woghiren, represented by the Deputy Director, Mr. Vincent Omuedi, said that the agency will do all in its power to take the sensitization message to the nooks and crannies of the state as it’s obvious that majority of persons are not aware of the ACJL.
Also in his goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Mallam Fatai Enabulele, said the implementation of the ACJL is long overdue because there are a lot of persons languishing in the Correctional Centres for minor offenses that could have been possibly resolved using the ACJL.
While alleging that that money meant to take care of the inmates in our Correctional Centres is some times embezzled, urged the managers of these centres to allow the fear of God be their watchwords.
For the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State chapter, Apostle General, Dr. Irekpono Omoike, commended the Catholic church for being in the vanguard of promoting fairness, equity and justice in the country.
Also, the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, represented by the secretary of the council, Mr. Andy Egbon, lauded the JDPCI for being steadfast in its drive to ensure that the members of the public are fully aware of the ACJL in the state.