From Yusufu Idegu, Jos
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has inaugurated the Plateau State Justice Sector Reform Team to drive and monitor the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law signed into law in 2018.
Lalong said the smooth and effective dispensation of justice to the people is an important aspect of his government’s vision which believes in the rule of law.
He said: “Establishment of the Justice Sector Reform Team in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Plateau State will address some of the vexed problems facing the Criminal Justice Sector. These problems, such as delay in the prosecution of cases, occasioned by the antics of defence counsels who often seek frivolous adjournments, stay of proceedings and interlocutory appeals to frustrate speedy trials, will be eliminated”.
The governor hoped that congestion within the Correctional Service facilities will also be curtailed. He urged the team to make the dispensation of justice seamless so that people will have no reason to resort to self-help or lose confidence in the courts.
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Chief Judge Justice Justice Yakubu Dakwak, who chairs the team, said implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law has come up with solutions to most of the loopholes in the procedural laws, by entrenching provisions that limit the number and frequency of adjournments that may be granted in criminal trials, as well as abolishing the grant of stay of proceedings while interlocutory appeals are being pursued.
He appealed to members of the Team to use their positions as representatives of various frontline agencies to promote the dispensation of justice.
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