Stakeholders Commit to Effective Criminal Justice Administration in Anambra

Anambra State stakeholders in a crucial gathering aimed at enhancing accountability, transparency, and trust in law enforcement, came together for a Town Hall Meeting focused on the vital themes of Promoting Human Rights, Law Enforcement Accountability, and Effective Criminal Justice Administration in Anambra State.

The event, organized by the Anambra Police Stakeholders Partnership Forum (PSPF) and facilitated by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC ) with support from the Rule of Law and Anti Corruption RoLAC 2 Program being implemented by the International IDEA, drew guests including the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, traditional rulers, media representatives, and justice partners.

During the meeting, Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, commended Governor Soludo for enacting the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025. This legislation introduced a complementary security provider named “Agunechemba” (sentinel at the gate) and launched the “Udo ga-achi” initiative (peace shall reign) to tackle insecurity across the state.

Nwanguma emphasized that these developments reflect a durable solution to the pressing issues of crime and insecurity plaguing the region.

“This Town Hall Meeting is not just about dialogue but about engaging in meaningful discussions that foster a culture of respect for human rights and enhance accountability in law enforcement,” Nwanguma stated.

He expressed pride in the collaborative achievements made since the establishment of the PSPF in 2019, which provided a structured dialogue platform between the police and civil society organizations. The initiative has successfully facilitated the effective resolution of complaints against police officers and promoted professional standards within the Anambra State Police Command.

Nwanguma reiterated the need for effective police complaint mechanisms founded on key values, accessibility, transparency, independence, fairness, timeliness, and constructive feedback to policymakers.

In her presentation titled, ‘Implementation of the Anambra State administration of criminal Justice law: Progress, challenges and Opportunities for improvement’, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, highlighted the challenges and progress made by the state since the establishment of the homeland Security law.

Ifemeje added that the war against criminality in the state has become more effective, adding that the state government is not targeting traditional worship, contrary to general opinion.

She said, “We are not against traditional worship, but what we are saying is that it should not be used to perpetrate crime.

“We are gathering documentary evidence against these native doctors who practiced Oke-ite. These are evidence we are gathering and we will soon make our findings public.”

As conversations unfolded, participants voiced a desire for RULAAC to extend advocacy efforts to grassroots communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue in driving systemic change.

The Director of the Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Jaja Nwanegbo hailed the governor for the initiative but argued that not checkmating their activities could make them engage in illegalities, unprofessional conduct, and extortions.

Contributing to the conversation on community security, Traditional Ruler of Olumbanasaa, Igwe Pius Omachonu, and former Nigeria’s Consul-General to South Africa, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke, emphasized the importance of government-organized security town hall meetings at the grassroots level.

Both leaders stressed the need for increased dialogue and engagement between government officials and community members to address security concerns effectively.

The attendees left with a renewed commitment to fostering police-community partnerships and enhancing human rights advocacy, paving the way for transformative change in law enforcement practices.