By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Political prejudice and low public awareness have been identified as the major obstacles to the fair and effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in society.
This was the focus of a strategic meeting of key stakeholders organized by the Cleen Foundation in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The meeting, which brought together security agencies, the judiciary, law practitioners, civil society organizations, and the media, target to address the challenges affecting the criminal justice system.

During his opening address, the Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter, highlighted other issues such as harmful cultural practices, tradition, and corruption as further hindrances to justice.

According to Mr. Peter, the strategic meeting sought to advocate for and promote gender equality in the administration of criminal justice within the state.
“The purpose of this policy dialogue is to bring all the principal actors in the criminal justice system together to discuss and develop strategies for addressing gaps identified in the system,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in promoting justice, equity, fairness, peace, and stability in the country. “Everyone has a role to play in achieving these desired goals,” he noted.

Addressing the specific challenges faced by women and marginalized groups, Mr. Peter said, “Women and individuals from marginalized groups often face unique challenges and biases within the criminal justice process. Addressing these issues is not only the right thing to do but is also crucial to achieving a truly just system.”

He further stated, “Together, we can work towards a criminal justice system that is not only effective and fair but also reflective of our collective commitment to justice and equality for all.”

Participants at the meeting pledged to collaborate in addressing these key challenges and to promote equality within the state and national justice system.

Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has issued a stern condemnation of the violent attack on Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the November 11, 2023, governorship election.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, shortly after the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in favor of Governor Ododo in a case filed by Ajaka challenging the election’s conduct and outcome.

Ajaka, who had taken his case from the election petition tribunal through the Appeal Court and up to the Supreme Court, was reportedly assaulted by political thugs within the premises of the Supreme Court. The attack, which has sparked widespread outrage, took place just after the court’s ruling.

In response to the incident, Governor Ododo, through a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, expressed his deep concern and condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms.
He described the actions of the attackers as “barbaric, uncivilized, and a grave danger to the institution of justice.”

Governor Ododo called on law enforcement agencies to promptly identify and arrest the perpetrators, ensuring they face the full consequences of their actions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and safety of court environments across the country.

“As a Government, we implore the law enforcement agencies to fish out the perpetrators and make them face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others as well as protect the integrity and safety of our court environments across the country,” the statement read.

Governor Ododo also urged Nigerians to reject violence and embrace constitutionalism and unity, aligning with the core values of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He called for national support for the government’s policies aimed at the progress and development of Nigeria.

The Supreme Court is set to deliver a landmark judgement on Friday, August 23, 2024, in the Kogi State Governorship election case between Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The apex court’s decision will bring to a close the prolonged legal battle between the two parties, which has been ongoing since the election. The court had earlier declined a request by the SDP to constitute a full panel to hear the appeal.

A five-member panel of justices, led by Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, has been appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to decide the case.
The other justices on the panel are Hon. Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar, Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris.

The judgement will have significant implications for the political landscape of Kogi State and the country at large.
The SDP and APC have been engaged in a fierce legal battle, with both parties confident of emerging victorious.

Political analysts have described the case as a test of the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, and the outcome is eagerly awaited by Nigerians.