Foundation challenges Benue govt on strengthening implementation of ACJA Att:Editor from Uche

Fom Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma has challenged Benue State government to strengthen the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.

Maduoma gave the challenge at a three days workshop held in Makurdi themed, ‘strengthening right-based approach to the Administration of Criminal Justice Acts, ACJA, and advancing Women Peace and Security agenda in Nigeria’.

Reeling out the policy brief, the ED said the foundation is intervening in 12 states including Benue State with focus on justice delivery reforms and access to justice.

He observed the lack of coordination, awareness, compliance to minimum standards, weak structures and institutions, lack of digitization because states still use analog in information dissemination, funding and implementation of the law and driving women, peace and security agenda. 

He added that there is uneven implementation, capacity gaps and delays in justice processes.

Maduoma therefore charged the legislature in Benue State to enact reforms that support ACJA compliance, establish robust monitoring mechanisms, promote gender-responsive justice systems and strengthen legislative oversight.

Said he, “for the judiciary, there is need to expand accountability measures in custodial centers, engage in regular jail delivery exercises, legal advice and case reviews, strengthening fair trials and protection of reforms of vulnerable gaps.

“For security agencies, there should be improvement on operational capacity and right based policing, enhance training for security agencies and adoption of technology in Policing.

“Benue State Action Plan, SAP for the period 2021 to 2024 expired without an immediate renewal creating a policy vacuum that has weakened coordination mechanisms ans slowed the implementation of Women, Peace and Security, WPS.

“Key findings for the WPS showed low representation of women in all aspects, cultural barriers that limits women as well as implementation of WPS agenda.

“CLEEN recommend the strengthening of justice system in Benue State, setting up gender commission in legislative oversight of State Action Plan/WPS implementation and strengthening protection of Gender Based Violence, GBV responsive system”.