To raise awareness and encourage the adoption of ‘restorative justice’ as an alternative to traditional punitive approaches in criminal justice system, the Prison Fellowship Nigeria, with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC, has organized a “One-day sensitization workshop on restorative justice”.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Dr. Jacob Tsado, said the programme, being implemented in eight states of the federation, including Anambra, is an inclusive approach that emphasizes repairing damages caused by criminal behaviors, and restoring social harmony and peace, which are the fundamental goals of justice.
Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, represented at the event by the Director of Public Prosecution in the ministry, Barrister Nneka Umeozulu, described the workshop as an important step in the collective effort to reimagine justice; not merely as punitive, but as vehicle for healing, reconciliation and societal transformation, while the state Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, represented by the Administrative Judge of Ihiala Judicial Division, Justice Samuel Okoye, said though it has not been the tradition of the judiciary to emphasize restorative justice, attention is now being shifted from punishment to reconciliation and healing of the society.
Others who spoke at the event with the theme; “Fostering justice, reconciliation and community healing”, were the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, represented by CSP Florence Ayaogu, the Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Anambra State Command, Mr. Val Nwosu, represented by the Officer in Charge of Legal Services, Barrister Kingsley Abiakam, as well as a representative of the civil society organizations, Prince Chris Azor.
Be the first to write a comment.