JUDICIAL OFFICERS IN ANAMBRA STATE BRAINSTORM ON EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
REPORTER: CHRIS OBILERI.
Some judicial officers have blamed poor synergy among prosecuting agencies as a major factor hindering implementation of criminal justice system in the country.
Speaking during a forum in Awka, the Anambra State capital, they agreed that effective implementation of criminal justice system in the country would help to tackle the problem of awaiting trial cases now
In a message to the event, the State the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, noted that the essence of enacting laws was to enhance the effective implementation of a robost criminal justice system in the country, arguing that when enactment was not implemented, such enactment would amount to nothingness.
Represented by Justice Ndirika Onyekwelu, Professor Ifemeje, said there was the need to effectively monitor and periodically assess the extent and success of implementation through gathering of data and feedback from the field to enable policy makers to determine the usefulness of the law.
She pointed out that those implementing laws should be well-equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to efficiently administer the order to attain the aims of justice.
Also in a message, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, called for a strong collaborative frame work among the prosecuting agents of criminal justice system in the state so as to prevent accused persons from staying longer in detention than necessary.
Justice Anyachebelu, who was represented by Justice S.N. Okoye, opined that effective implementation would ensure seamless administration of criminal justice system.
In a paper presentation, Justice Michael Anyadiegwu, claimed that “Anambra State has the best criminal justice law in the country” with the recent amendment which had helped to fast-track and introduce innovations in criminal justice administration.
He, however, blamed poor attitude to work and institutional problem among the Ministry of Justice, Correctional Centers and the police command as well as the judiciary for major set back in administration of criminal justice system.
Also contributing, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nnaghe Itam, argued that a liaison officer was attached to the Ministry of Justice for effective synergy among them.
Mr. Itam, who was represented by Mr Anayo Nwano, noted that capital offence is a constitutional matter in Law, saying that any suspect taking for remand proceeding at High Courts was bound to stay longer because of remand proceeding process.
He argued that such suspect stay longer than necessary because of motion ex parte and appealed to sitting judges to look into such matter.
The event was attended by some media professionals, judges and officials of the state Correctional Centers among others.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
