JSR: Adamawa ACJMC, JSRT fuse; strategize to enhance service delivery
The move to enhance service delivery in the Justice Sector has today gained mileage in Adamawa State as the two justice sector coordination groups fused into one formidable structure.
The two groups are Justice Sector Reform Team, (JSRT) and Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC).
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The feat was attained during the Adamawa ACJMC, JSRT needs assessment workshop organized by The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) II funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (Int’l IDEA).
The ACJMC and JSRT came on board as a result of RoLAC’s stout commitment to ensure the entrenchment of Justice Sector Reforms (JSR) aimed at ensuring timely, efficient and effective justice delivery for a lasting peace and progress.
During the sessions superintend by Professor Muhammed Tabiu (SAN) a critical SWOT analysis was carried out in which the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats facing the groups were critically dissected.
Elaborating some of the successes made since the establishment of the two groups, the secretaries of ACJMC and JSRT, Dimas Eguama and Ishaq Abdullahi Jada respectively noted that the coming of the two groups has ensured a seamless interaction between all the sector agencies and has enhance renewed cooperation, synergy and understanding between all stakeholders.
They noted that as a result of the formation of the two groups, stakeholders do meet regularly to interrogate the achievements made and challenges encountered which led to the evolution and enhancement of service delivery.
Other successes recorded according to the dou include the appointment of magistrates to monitor activities in detention centers across the state to ensure adherence to the rule of law.
According to them a number of people detained on trivial issues have gained freedom just as non-custodial sentencing also gained traction as no fewer than 250 inmates were given non custodial sentencing which aided the decongestion of correctional facilities across the state.
Other successes achieved include appointment of plea bargain committee which led to the resolution of complex cases while ensuring justice for the victims, provision of statement taking room, formation of plea bargain manual and sentencing guidelines, training and retraining of justice sector operators amongst many other feats.
On the flipside, the two groups also alluded to encountering a number of challenges which militated their smooth operations such as constraints of funding, dearth of a functional secretariat, shortage of staff and overlapping functions.
On the way forward, it was resolved that the two teams should fuse together, evolve alternative funding through enabling legislation and advocacies, improve communication, enhance monitoring and evaluation and ensure the evolution of a viable and strategic work plan.
Elucidating the rationale for the workshop, Prof. Tabiu noted that it was conducted to ensure efficiency and better service delivery for the benefit of all and sundry.
He noted that without justice, there will never be peace urging all stakeholders to up their ante in giving their robust contributions towards the betterment of the society.
In his opening remark, state associate project officer RoLAC II, Barr. Abdulrahman Iliyasu said the workshop was organized to enhance the capacity of our justice sector coordination groups.
“Your presence today reflects our collective commitment to strengthening the justice system and ensuring it serves all members of our community effectively.
“As we gather here, we recognize the critical role that coordination groups play in bridging gaps within the justice sector. Today, our focus will be on assessing the technical and resource needs that have emerged from our ongoing efforts. We aim to identify specific areas where we can enhance our capabilities and design a targeted program to address these gaps.
“Throughout the day, I encourage each of you to share your insights and experiences openly. This collaborative approach is essential for understanding the challenges we face and for developing strategies that will increase our impact on the justice system. Our goal is not only to identify weaknesses but also to build on our strengths, ensuring that we create a more effective, equitable, and accessible justice system for all.
“Let us work together to forge a path forward, leveraging our collective expertise and commitment to make meaningful improvements. Thank you for your dedication, and I look forward to a productive workshop,” he said.
