Imo State government has partnered with the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law in Switzerland to establish Community Justice Centers for Alternative Dispute Resolution in every community. This initiative aims to expedite legal services delivery and provide a framework for justice administration at the local government level. The state government plans to have 27 such centers, with three already approved for pilot testing. Additionally, the state's legal system will no longer reference the laws of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, and the Imo State Law Report will be published annually. The government's efforts in legal case resolution and financial management have been lauded, with Governor Hope Uzodinma receiving recognition for accountability and transparency.
The Imo State government has initiated discussions with the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law in Switzerland to establish Community Justice Centers for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in every community in the state. The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance the delivery of legal services and provide access to justice at the grassroots level.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister C.O.C Akaolisa, revealed that the State government, in partnership with the Foreign Establishment, has received approval to introduce a 'Community Justice Centre' for ADR in each community. These centers will be located at the traditional ruler's palace within the community.
The government aims to implement pilot centers in each council area to expedite legal services delivery and promote efficient conflict resolution. The introduction of a legal expert at the local government level will enable individuals to settle their problems within their communities.
This innovative approach will establish a comprehensive legal framework for justice administration at the local government level, empowering citizens to resolve disputes in an accessible and timely manner.
Barrister C.O.C Akaolisa further explained that while the state government has requested 27 Community Justice Centers, only three have been approved for now. These approved centers will serve as a foundation for the successful administration of justice.
In addition to creating a robust ADR system, the government intends to update and modernize its legal landscape. The Attorney General disclosed a plan to cease referencing the laws of the defunct Eastern Nigeria by the end of the year.
The aim is to transform the laws into 'laws of Imo State' and create a distinct criminal code for the state. This legislative change will align the laws with the current realities and needs of Imo State.
The commitment to enhancing legal services extends beyond legislative reform. The state government is resolving pending legal cases, including those involving contractual obligations, through "out-of-court settlement" and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
Furthermore, the Imo State Law Report, which has not been published for the past two decades, will now be made available as an annual report. This publication aims to provide valuable information and ensure transparency in the state's legal proceedings.
Regarding the infrastructure for justice administration, Akaolisa affirmed that all courts, including Magistrates Courts in the three senatorial zones of the state, are operating effectively. Currently, there are 38 judges serving the state, along with one customary court in each of the 27 council areas.
The Attorney General praised Governor Hope Uzodinma's financial management practices, citing the recent rating by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Uzodinma received recognition as the best State Governor in terms of accountability and transparency, attributing this achievement to his implementation of the Treasurer Single Account (TSA) system.
The introduction of Community Justice Centers and the efforts to enhance legal services delivery and administrative processes exemplify the Imo State government's commitment to justice and efficiency in governance. These initiatives aim to benefit the people of Imo State by providing accessible and expedited justice at the grassroots level.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-05 News
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