The Akwa Ibom State Government has inaugurated an Independent Monitoring Committee to oversee the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), saying it signals a renewed commitment to transparency and efficiency in the state’s justice system.
The committee was unveiled at the end of a five-day capacity-building workshop in Uyo, organised by the Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN Foundation) in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, to strengthen criminal justice processes and enforce compliance with the ACJL.
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Joseph A. Udoh was appointed chairman of the committee, while Barr. Comfort Udo, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, serves as Legal Adviser.
Other members include Chief Magistrate Helen Umanah (Vice Chairman), Mrs. Amaka Asuzu of the National Human Rights Commission (Secretary), Barr. Sampson Adula of the Legal Aid Council (Advocacy Lead), Barr.
Emmanuel Udoyen of the Nigerian Bar Association serves as Assistant Advocacy Lead, while a veteran journalist, Comrade Solomon Okpo, serves as Communication and Visibility Lead.
Speaking after his inauguration, DCP Udoh (Rtd.) described the assignment as ‘both a privilege and a call to service,’ pledging to foster teamwork among justice institutions, including the Judiciary, Police, Correctional Service and Civil Society Organisations.
‘The ACJL represents a progressive step toward transforming Akwa Ibom’s justice system. Our goal is to ensure justice that is swift, transparent and people-centred,’ he said, adding that collaboration among institutions will help reduce case delays, protect human rights and enhance accountability.
Participants at the workshop discussed Advocacy and Coalition Building, Monitoring and Evaluation of ACJL compliance and Stakeholder Engagement, with sessions facilitated by CLEEN Foundation’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Maduoma, and Programme Manager, Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro.
The event ended with the formal signing of the committee’s Terms of Reference by Mr. Maduoma and DCP Udoh (Rtd.), marking a joint commitment to justice sector reform and institutional accountability in Akwa Ibom State.