Reps ask FG to constitute criminal justice monitoring committee

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged Federal Government to constitute the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee without further delay in a bid to enhance justice delivery.

The resolution was passed sequel to the passage of the motion sponsored by Abiodun Adeogun (APC-Osun).

In his lead debate, Adeogun noted that Administration of Criminal Justice Act was enacted in 2015 with section 469 providing for constitution of Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.

According to him, Section 470 of the Act, also provides for speedy trial of criminal matters, decongestion of prisons, co-ordination different organs of criminal justice administration, analyzing, collating and publishing information regarding the administration of justice sector throughout the country and keeping the Chief Justice of Nigeria abreast of developments meant to enhance criminal justice delivery in the country.”

The lawmaker observed that despite the advantages derivable from the constitution of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee enumerated and enjoined by section 470 of the Act, the Federal Government has failed to constitute the Monitoring Committee.

He argued that the failure to constitute the Monitoring Committee has led to laxity in dispensation of justice, abuse of some provisions of the Act and lack of direction by judicial officers in dispensing justice.

While ruling on the bill, Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the bill to the House Committee on Justice for further legislative action.