Foundation urges  journalists to promote full implementation of ACJL in Benue 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

A non governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation,, has called on media practitioners to strengthen their constitutional role towards initiating constructive reportage that could promote human rights, and ensure full implementation of the administration of Criminal Justice Law ACJL, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the Benue State.

The Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, stated this while speaking at the opening session of a three-day media workshop on Human Rights Protection Through Adequate on the State Administration of Criminal Justice Law(ACJL) and Women in Governance, Peace and Security(WPS) in Benue State held in Makurdi, the State capital.

Maduoma insisted that the media remained indispensable to driving justice sector reforms and advancing gender-responsive governance in Nigeria.

According to him, the workshop would specifically focused on human rights protection through adequate reporting on the State ACJL and the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the implementing states, stressing that the role of media  practitioners  is quite essential to strengthening accountability within the justice system in Nigeria.

Maduoma noted that although the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in 2015 and its adoption by several states had triggered important reforms in criminal justice administration, gaps in implementation remained widespread.

“Implementation of the ACJA and its state versions has not been consistent. There are still significant weaknesses, including gaps in gender-responsive governance, that hinder progress in justice reform. These are issues that journalists must continue to spotlight,” he said.

“CLEEN Foundation had already carried out baseline assessments, organised capacity-strengthening sessions for justice sector actors, set up state ACJL working groups and supported the establishment of multi-stakeholder implementation and monitoring committees for the WPS agenda.

“We are  here in the State to build journalists’ capacity, share findings from the project’s field engagements, and solicit perspectives from the media on how justice institutions could be better held to account.

“This programme brings together a two-day training for journalists, followed by a policy brief dissemination on the State ACJL and WPS.

“Beyond public sensitization, we envisage that the findings will guide policymakers and justice actors in making necessary adjustments to improve justice delivery”, the executive director alluded.

While thanking the Royal Norwegian Embassy for funding the initiative and to the project’s research team, said  their efforts has aid strengthening justice sector reforms in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Benue State Council, Bemdoo Ugber, noted that the workshop is both timely and essential, stating that in a society striving for justice, equity, and sustainable peace, the role of the media and legal practitioners cannot be overemphasized.

 “Journalists serve as the watchdogs of society, while lawyers remain critical defenders of justice and the rule of law. When both professions work collaboratively and responsibly, the protection of human rights is strengthened, public trust is enhanced, and democratic values are upheld.

“The focus on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law is particularly commendable.Effective reporting in this area helps demystify legal processes, promotes transparency, and ensures accountability within the justice system. 

“As journalists, we must continue to uphold the highest standards of the profession by holding firm to the ethics ,accuracy, balance and especially on issues relating to human rights and vulnerable groups”, Ugber noted. 

Also, speaking, the chairperson of National Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ), Comrade Elizabeth Achagh, said role of the media in implementing human rights laws and the action plan on Women, Peace and Security can not be overemphasized.

According to her, Human rights protection is strengthened when the justice system is transparent, accountable, and effectively communicated to the public.

“In Benue State, adequate reporting on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law is essential in promoting fairness, ensuring speedy trials, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups”

“Equally, amplifying issues around Women, Governance, Peace, and Security helps to highlight the role of women in decision-making, conflict resolution, and community development”, she said.