By Sunmola Olowookere
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Ondo State government has been commended on the maintenance of law and order as it was said to have witnessed minimal human rights violations by security agents, including zero record of extra judicial killings when compared with other states.
In the same vein, government at all tiers have been called upon to desist from using the military in the enforcement of laws in the interest of Nigeria democracy and the general public.
Making this call were members of the state Administration of Criminal Justice Working Group set up by CLEEN Foundation with the support of MacArthur Foundation for effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice law (ACJL) 2016 of Ondo state during meeting held in Akure, state capital.
They decried the low level of awareness about human rights under the law and also condemned the involvement of the military in the enforcement of laws in the country even in this COVID-19 era.
The State Coordinator, Joshua Sebiotimo explained that it is against the tenets of civil engagements, as some of the human rights violations witnessed in the country were mostly perpetrated by harsh security agents.
Also speaking at the event, Rotimi Ologunoye explained that they will embark on Advocacy Programmes in ensuring that the Urban and Rural communities in the state know their human right extensively.
The group is implementing in Ondo State the Project, “Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice System in Nigeria.”
As part of the project activities, CLEEN Foundation set up a State Working Group to monitor the effective implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the State.
The Group consists of stakeholders in the justice sector and meets bi-monthly to deliberate on the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, and to explore strategies for collaboration with partners towards the attainment of the ideals of ACJL in Ondo State.
Present at the meeting are members of the Foundation, members of the Nigeria Bar Association, Security officers and other stakeholders.