Benue State Judiciary in Collaboration with Ministry of Justice Sensitize on ACJL
The 8th Benue State House of Assembly passed the Administration of Criminal Justice bill into law in 2019 as same was assented to by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. In order to sensitize the people on the legal principle, section to section and as clause to clause appreciation of the law, the Benue State Judiciary in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice organized a two-day seminar at Benue Hotels, 19th -20th March, 2020 under the theme: “Understanding the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Benue State 2019.”
Declaring the event open, Governor Ortom thanked members of the 8th Assembly, the Benue State Judiciary, Ministry of Justice as well as members of the private Bar for their contributions toward the passage of the law. The Governor noted that obsolete laws are impediment to crime prosecution. He also noted that Nigerian criminal justice laws (that is the Criminal procedure code have been in existence for over forty years), same cannot support the current realities. Hence, the need for change.
The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Justice Maurice Ikpambese in his address of welcome noted that the Seminar has brought together all relevant stakeholders in the justice sector for the purpose of seeking a holistic understanding of the Administration of Criminal justice law that came into being in May, 2019. He said the need to sensitize the stakeholders about this all important extant law cannot be over- emphasized.
The Chief Justice of Benue State, Justice Aondover Kaka’an in his keynote address informed guests and participants that the new law requires a serious sensitization so as to deepen the understanding of same.
Eminent scholars and Jurist who led the presentation included Justice Adam Onum (Rtd), Justice M. A Ikpambese, Justice A. I Ityonyiman, NBA Chairman J. K Ishember Esq, Dean Faculty of Law, Benue state University Prof. Vearumun Tarhule, Dennis Ingya Esq, M. Ochenjele, M.T Gunduor, A.I Ochoga, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mike Gusa and Prof. Oko Alubo SAN
Speaking on the sideline, NBA Chairman J. K Ishmber Esq said the seminar has now ushered in a new regime of criminal justice administration for both members of the Bench and the Bar.
Governor Ortom later hosted members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) led by M. M Dura, Benue state Judiciary and Ministry of Justice to show his appreciation for their contributions toward the enactment of this legislation.
