Plateau forms team to end “self-help” on crimes
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The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has inaugurated the Plateau State Justice Sector reform team to implement the Administration of Criminal Justice Law signed into law in 2018.
The effective dispensation of justice to citizens, Lalong said is “very important” his administration.
Inaugurating the team, the Governor said the team will eliminate all hindrances to the speedy dispensation of justice.
He said, “the establishment of the Justice Sector Reform Team in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Plateau State will address some of the vexed problems facing the Criminal Justice Sector.
“These problems such as delay in the prosecution of cases, occasioned by the antics of defence Counsels who often seek frivolous adjournments, stay of proceedings and interlocutory Appeals with the aim of frustrating speedy trials of Criminal cases will be eliminated”.
Lalong added that congestions within Correctional Service facilities often by detainees awaiting trial, “indiscriminate arrests” and detention by some Law Enforcement Agencies, as well as the absence of “effective coordination” among the Institutions involved in Criminal Justice Administration will be “drastically curtailed”.
He charged members of the team to make the dispensation of justice seamless to prevent “self-help” or loss of public trust in courts.
Chief Justice of Plateau State, Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak who is the Chairman of the Team, said the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law has reduced court adjournments on Criminal trials and the stay of proceedings while interlocutory Appeals are being pursued.
He appealed to all members of the Team to use their positions as representatives of various frontline agencies to promote the dispensation of justice to all persons in the State.
Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Barrister Chrysantus Ahmadu disclosed that because of the work that has already started under the administration of criminal justice law, Plateau State has more convicts than awaiting trial inmates at its Correctional Centres as some interventions have started.
In their goodwill messages, Commissioner of Police Plateau State, Comptroller, Correctional Services, NBA Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council and other stakeholders reiterated their willingness to work for the success of the initiative.
