GOVERNOR MUTFWANG SET TO ESTABLISH LEGAL AID OFFICES IN 17LGAs IN PLATEAU STATE
By Rotmwa Kassam Paulina
In a landmark step toward improving access to justice and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, the Plateau State Government, in collaboration with International IDEA under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, has inaugurated the Plateau State Legal Aid Counsel Coordination Committee. This committee is tasked with harmonizing efforts across the justice ecosystem to provide free legal assistance to indigent residents and vulnerable persons across the state.
The event, held at Crispan Hotel, Jos, attracted key stakeholders from the justice sector, traditional institutions, civil society, and development partners. It was a historic move toward institutionalizing legal aid at the grassroots level and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the pursuit of justice.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, speaking through the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who also doubles as the newly inaugurated Chairman, Legal Aid Coordinating Committee emphasized the Plateau State Government’s strong commitment to the initiative.
“The government is fully behind this initiative. I appeal to International IDEA to sustain this committee for a while. The state, through this committee, is prepared to continue where IDEA stops,” the chairman declared.
He stressed that the legal needs of citizens are closely tied to their destinies, highlighting that many residents, parents, and breadwinners are unaware of their rights, which are constitutionally guaranteed and, according to him, must be enforced.
Stating that taking legal aid seriously is a godly, statutory, and moral duty, Daffi announced the Governor’s readiness to establish Legal Aid Offices in each of the 17 Local Government Areas through the recently passed Office of the Public Defender Law.
The Attorney-General expressed concern that the legal aid system in Plateau State currently has just six lawyers to serve over three million people across 207 political wards, asserting that it is clearly insufficient.
The establishment of Citizens Mediation Centres, he said, was a further step to offer non-litigious legal remedies, ensuring multiple channels of access to justice.
The committee’s inaugural meeting, he revealed, will hold on June 30, 2025, and urged members to “walk the talk” and take the responsibility as one of national importance.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Judge of Plateau, Hon. J D Mann, represented by Hon. Justice G. Fomwul described the committee’s role as a divine and civic calling.
He urged members to serve faithfully, with the understanding that their service is not just to the people but also to God, adding that when they work faithfully, God will reward their effort.
“This initiative is very timely in view of the rising crime rate. Justice sector reform and justice delivery are top priorities, and this committee is key to achieving that,” the Chief Judge said.
The Gbong Gwom, Jos, Da Buba Gyang, represented by His Royal Highness Da Charles Matu, stressed that justice is the bedrock of peace and social harmony.
“Without justice, conflict begins. But when justice is properly administered, many disputes are resolved amicably…If legal aid can be provided to all who need it, our correctional centres will be decongested, and peace will reign,” he stated.
Da Buba pledged the support of the traditional council and commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for advancing peace and equity in the state.
Director-General of the Legal Aid Counsel of Nigeria, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, in his welcome remarks, said that the Legal Aid committee must coordinate and deliver, and underscored the committee’s role in coordinating all legal aid service providers and ensuring quality legal support across the state.
“This is a step in the right direction. The criminal justice system requires serious work. The Police, as the first responders, must be supported to act rightly. Once they get it right, everything else falls in place,” he remarked, calling for stronger institutional collaboration and support for vulnerable populations.
Mr. Bamidele Ibikunle, the Technical Assistant, LACoN, said Justice must be accessible and free to all citizens and decried the pervasive lack of legal awareness among citizens.
“The level of legal illiteracy is high. Many people don’t know their rights or how to enforce them. Most cannot afford legal fees. This initiative seeks to provide access to justice at no cost,” he explained.
He said the key responsibilities of the committee include quality assurance of legal aid services in the state, effective case management, and reducing duplication of services as well as coordinating all legal aid stakeholders.
He noted that the initiative would also ensure that citizens’ rights are protected from the moment of arrest and that every effort must be made to ensure swift justice delivery.
The event featured paper presentations on Legal Framework for Criminal Justice Administration and Legal Aid Services in Plateau State, by Stephen Adeiyongo, the State Coordinator, LACoN, and the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme and Force Order 20, by Mr. Aliyu Abubakar.
Other activities included Stakeholders Mapping and Engagement and Building Networks for Justice in Nigeria: Signposts for Sustainability.
