Amendments in justice sector policy underway

Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF) and permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Taiwo Abidogun, has stressed the need to harmonise and integrate the various reform initiatives in the justice sector into a clearly articulated National Justice Policy.

Abidogun, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, revealed this in a speech he delivered during the inauguration ceremony of the technical committee that would produce a draft National Justice Sector Policy for the country in Abuja.

Salihu Isah, special adviser on media and publicity to the AGF, disclosed in a press statement made available to the media in Abuja over the weekend.

Isah quoted the SGF as saying that, “The policy would clearly define Nigeria political philosophy with respect to Justice Delivery and also provide a common policy direction for the Justice Sector stakeholders across the nation.”

The draft policy would be presented at the stakeholder’s forum to be convened in October for inputs before being submitted for validation and adoption at the proposed National Summit on Administration of Justice in furtherance of rule of Law in Nigeria to hold in a date in November 2016.

The committee has the following terms of reference: To draft and submit a National Policy on Justice for Nigeria that sets out a common vision of a fair and effective justice system that respects the rights of all without discrimination.

Undertake a review of past and present strategic framework for the justice sector in Nigeria, taking into account the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy that are laid down in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in so far as they relate to the justice system.

To present the approved draft at a consultative meeting aimed at seeking commitment, further input and buy-in from a wider body of justice stakeholders.

To present the revised draft to a National Justice Sector summit in November with a view to adopting as Nigeria National Justice Policy, etc.

Members of the committee include: Mohammed Tabiu – as chairman, Deji Adekunle, Chidi Odinkalu, P.C Okorie, Mohammed Estu, Stella Anukam, E.O Omonowa, Dayo Akpata, while Felix Ota-Okojie will serve as secretary.

Also in the technical committee are Larry Chukwu, Gbolahan Adeniran, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Juliet Ibekaku, Pius Oteh, Ike Udunni, and Ugonna Ezekwem.

The committee was given Friday, October 14, 2016, to come up with the draft copy to midwife the expected Nigeria National Justice Policy.