Gov. Bello Flags-off North Central ACJA workshop
• Says Implementation will enhance Cross-Sector Collaboration, Improve Security
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA 2015) will enhance cross-border collaboration, promote access to Justice, and curtail crime.
He spoke through his Deputy, Chief (Dr) Edward Onoja during the North Central Zonal Workshop on the Implementation of Sections 29, 33, and 34 of ACJA-2015, held at Government House, Lokoja, on Wednesday.
Performing the flag-off on behalf of Governor Bello, Chief Onoja lauded the Federal Government for identifying key elements in ACJA implementation. He reiterated his resolve to the promotion of rule of law and the security of lives and property in the State.
He said, “I am one of those leaders who believe that zero tolerance for crimes and criminality is at the heart of all efforts to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians. We practice it religiously here in Kogi State, hence our long-running status as one of the safest states in the country today.”
He expressed worry at the rate of citizens’ rights abuses by law enforcement agencies citing the EndSars Protest of 2020, saying the workshop will increase stakeholders’ skills in handling human abuses related matters in their jurisdictions.
He said Kogi State passed the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in 2017, making it perhaps the 2nd State to do so in Northern Nigeria at the time. Governor Bello used the medium to once again, debunk misleading reports in some sections of the media on an alleged explosion in Lokoja, suturing that, ”by the Grace of God and the eternal vigilance of our security personnel, there won’t be any.“
The Workshop was attended by top government functionaries with other participants drawn from various Security Agencies of the country, among other relevant stakeholders.
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