Anambra state government has restated its determination to promote the welfare of its citizens especially the vulnerable.

The state Head of Service Barrister Harry Udu stated this during the closing ceremony of a four day workshop on dialogue between the Government, Civil Society Organisations and the media, on the
implementation of the Anambra State Anti -corruption strategy and Justice Sector Reform action plan held in Awka.

The four day programme enabled members of Civil Society Organisations and media practitioners brainstorm on possible means of tackling challenges militating against justice dispensation, and establishment of special courts and complaint desks in the judiciary, as well as enlightening the public on bail process.

Organised by the Component Four of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption, ROLAC, sponsored by the European Union and Anambra state government and managed by the British Council, the workshop also aimed to achieve these objectives through advocacy by the participants to the key actors in driving the reforms and implementation of the activities.

Addressing the participants including Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries in the state, Barrister Uduh who said he was pained by stories told of how under aged children are being molested and raped by elderly men, which most often are being settled out of court through
intimidation of the victim, said that any crime against a minor especially as it concerns rape is a sin against the state and will be handled by the state government.

He advised anyone who falls victim of such crime to run to the state judiciary for immediate action.

On the review of Public Procurement law in the state, the Head of Service said that as at now, Anambra sate has the best and most transparent means of procuring items needed in the state, but said it can be reviewed for optimal result.

Some of the Permanent Secretaries who spoke earlier including the Permanent Secretary Ministry of works Barrister Emeka Ohuoha, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Economic planning Mr Leo Imoka, his Agriculture counterpart Dr Edwin Ezinando among others, appreciated the participants for coming out with a workable recommendation, but said the recommendations should be tabled before the State Executive Council where they said that positive response will be given on the issues.

The facilitator of the programme Mrs Ada Eze, maintained that ROLAC is ready to partner any government willing to take the first step towards actualising the recommendations at the end of the workshop like fencing the structures at Umunze for rehabilitation of minors found wanting by the law, so that ROLAC will take over the renovation of the buildings for it to be put to use.

The participants will follow up with their action plan through advocacy in no distant time.

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