NAN-H-143
Justice
Asaba, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) The Chief Judge (CJ) of Delta, Justice Marshal Umukoro, has said that reforms in the nation’s judicial system must be constantly reviewed in order to meet the yearnings of a changing society.
He made the observation in his address on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day conference of the Network of Justice Sector Reform Teams (JRTs) held at the conference hall of the Grand Hotel, Asaba.
“The political reform of the judiciary must constantly be reviewed or reformed to reflect the constant dynamics of the society. It must not be treated like a work-up project or be left in that state like that for a century.
“Efficient justice delivery anchored on constant reform is, therefore, central to the economic growth and development of the state,” he said.
He said that the administration of justice in Nigeria and Delta State needed serious reform to meet the exigencies of growth and reduce the delay of cases in court and the failure to deliver justice.
The CJ called on stakeholders in the justice sector in the state to work together in upholding a sound and efficient justice system for the joy of the citizens.
“To achieve this, all the important stakeholders, such as the judiciary, the NBA, the Ministry of Justice, the Police and the Prisons must work together,” he said.
Umukoro disclosed that the Delta Judiciary is ‘reform-minded’, stressing that under his watch, it has made some modest contribution through the support of the reform team.
“These supports had been with the efforts of the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary on the domestication of the administration of criminal justice bill.
“The bill, which presently awaits its final reading, is expected to be passed soon,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Peter Mrakpor, Delta Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, had, in his welcome address, called on participants to use the opportunity provided by the network to examine the challenges of Witness Protection.
“It is so evident that most witnesses don’t want to come to court because their lives are threatened. This is a very serious challenge we must review if the justice system must work efficiently,” he said.
Mrakpor also disclosed the commitment of the judiciary in Delta towards ensuring prompt and speedy justice in the prosecution of all cases of rape, defilement and sexual assault.
“This is because in our society today, the cases of rape and sexual assault have taken a frightening proportion.
“So, I must say that reforms are necessary and commendable in order to make our judiciary what it ought to be; a judiciary that every citizen will be proud of,” he said.
He reiterated the state government dedication to improving the lot of the judiciary in the state through capacity building for efficient and effective justice delivery.
In his remarks, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Festus Agas, pledged the commitment of the state government to improved justice delivery in the state.
“I am pleased to inform you that the outcome of the deliberations of the retreat on the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill has been presented as a public hearing organised by the Delta State House of Assembly for legislative action.
“It is my hope that within the nearest possible time, the bill will be passed and forwarded to me for necessary accent,” he said.
In his address, Prof. Mohammed Tabiu, Co-Chairman of the Federal Reform Team, said that the team was committed to achieving the objectives of the network.
“The whole idea of this network is to see how we can collaborate with all our justice institutions for a better justice delivery,” he said. (NAN)
CVU/MAS/IS
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Edited by Moses Solanke/Ismail Abdulaziz