The Cleen Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation has raised concern over the low implementation of the  Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL), saying the development is inimical to societal growth.

Speaking at a two-day workshop held in Asaba, the acting Executive Director, Cleen Foundation, Peter Maduoma, said that despite the awareness created, the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law is still very low in Nigeria, particularly in Delta State.

Maduoma, who applauded the Mark Arthur Foundation for its assistance, called for a better implementation of the criminal justice system to ensure 100 percent compliance to reshape Delta State.

Maduoma, who spoke through the Programme officer, Mr Ebere Mbaegbu, declared: “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.

“The good news is that as at today the ACJA has been enacted as laws across the 36 states of the Federation, but 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.”

Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN) said a lack of allocated “funds to the committee is “hampering the implementation of the intention activities of the committee.”

Ohwovoriole, represented by Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Justice Ministry, Mrs. Sylvia Dumudje, said that the introduction of the ACJC has overhauled the criminal justice system in Delta State to the extent that all the stakeholders are now on their toes to ensure full enforcement and success of the law at their levels.

A Member of the State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Mr. Chuks Okpunor, however, said the committee was committed to ensuring timely and fair administration of justice, promoting transparency, accountability and supporting victims and witnesses to get justice at the end of the tunnel.