By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Jigawa State is being hampered by poor funding and widespread poverty, according to observations by the state’s ACJA Compliance Level Actors.

This was highlighted during a two-day workshop on the ACJA 2015, organized by CLEEN Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation, at the Grand Ambard Hotel in Dutse.

Acting Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma presented findings from research on compliance levels across eight project states. He emphasized the need for adequate budgeting, enhanced state capacity, and strategic advocacy to close the justice gap and ensure the effective implementation of ACJA provisions.

“The beauty of any law lies in its effective implementation by responsible agencies and public understanding of its benefits,” Maduoma said.
He noted that while the ACJA has been enacted across all 36 states, significant work remains to ensure its success.
The acting executive director noted that it will also take an overview of state capacity to facilitate the effective implementation of ACJA regime, Consider the Justice Gap and how to close them through State Capacity in the area of good and adequate Budgeting, and the critical role of Strategic Advocacy and Communication as a Tool for Policy Formulation and Change.

According to him, “For us in CLEEN Foundation, it is important that all the deliberations in this two-day workshop will lead to great improvement in the work we all have been doing in the advancement of the ACJA/L across the nation and particularly in our states”.

Explaining further he said, as at today the ACJA has been enacted as law across the 36 states of the Federation. However, it is not “Uhuru” yet because the beauty of any law or legislation lies in the effective and efficient implementation of its content by the agencies that have been saddled with that responsibility as well as the perception and understanding of the citizenry as to what benefits are derivable thereof for a better society.
The workshop brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, media representatives, human rights groups, police, correctional services, legal professionals, and the state assembly. Participants identified key challenges and developed advocacy strategies to address them, with the aim of advancing the ACJA’s goals of fostering justice, peace, and societal development.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

On the occasion of World Children’s Day (WCD) 2024, children from Jigawa State have called on the state’s House of Assembly to enact laws that will enhance education and protect their rights. This appeal was made during a special session held in the state’s legislative chamber, which was presided over by Jamila Aliyu Abdulkadir, the Speaker of the Jigawa State Children’s Parliament.

Abdulkadir emphasized that access to basic education, healthcare, and other essential rights are the foundation for a child’s future. She urged the state’s lawmakers to pay attention to the needs of children and address the key issues that affect their growth and well-being, as these are crucial for building a better future for the next generation.

“Access to education, health, and protection of rights is key to a brighter future for any child,” Abdulkadir stated, appealing to both the legislative and executive arms of government to prioritize these fundamental areas.

In conjunction with the celebrations, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria congratulated Nigerian children on their special day, encouraging them to stay committed to their studies and avoid negative behaviors, as they represent the future leaders of the nation.

World Children’s Day is observed annually on November 20th to mark the United Nations’ adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. The 2024 theme, “Listening to the Future,” highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices and ensuring they have a role in shaping decisions that impact their lives.

Since 2017, World Children’s Day has served as a key platform for raising awareness on global issues affecting children, including education, health, and protection from abuse. This year, children’s participation remained central to the celebrations, underscoring their importance in advocating for the change they wish to see.

In Jigawa, the children took the opportunity to engage directly with the state lawmakers, advocating for stronger laws that support education and safeguard their rights. Their active involvement in the state’s legislative process reflects a growing movement to ensure that children’s voices are heard and their needs addressed at the highest levels of government.

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

An Upper Sharia Court in Kano has acquitted Hon. Auwalu Dalladi Sankara, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, of charges of adultery brought against him.

The presiding judge, Khadi Ibrahim Sarki Yola, dismissed the case, citing a lack of substantial evidence from the complainant, Nasiru Buba Jalam, who had accused the commissioner of having an illicit affair with his wife, Taslim Baba Nabegu.

“This case lacks merit and any credible evidence to proceed. Therefore, the case is hereby struck out, and both defendants are discharged,” the judge ruled.
The case had stemmed from a complaint filed by Nasiru Buba Jalam in October, in which he accused his wife and Hon. Sankara of engaging in an affair. Following the accusation, the Kano Hisbah apprehended the commissioner at his home.
The court had earlier instructed the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and submit a report for review.
After the judgment, Barrister Rabiu Shuaibu Abdullahi, representing the first defendant, Taslim Baba Nabegu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, stating that the judgment reflected justice.
Barrister Saddam Suleiman Shehu, representing Hon. Sankara, also welcomed the outcome, affirming that the court’s decision vindicated his client. He added, “We are reviewing the judgment, along with the possible political factors involved, for further steps.”

Hon. Sankara, who was suspended from his position as Commissioner to allow the court process to unfold without interference, was cleared of all allegations by the court.

The case, which attracted significant attention in the state, now appears to be over, though its political undertones remain a point of discussion.