The Kogi state government has declared its determination to partner with relevant stakeholders in promoting rule of law and protection of human rights.
The state governor, Yahaya Bello, stated this in Lokoja while declaring open a two workshop organised by Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC) in collaboration with the Attorney General Alliance – Africa (AGA -Africa) to train 200 law officers on ”Oral Advocacy and Electronic Evidence in Criminal Prosecution and Defence” in the state.
Governor Bello described the training as sacrosanct in ensuring speedy and effective administration of justice in the state.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Folashade Arike, the governor expressed appreciation to AGA-AFRICA for the training, noting that his administration had made tremendous achievements in the justice sector with an improved legal frame work.
“On assumption of office, as the executive governor of Kogi state, my administration approved the employment of 150 lawyers in a bid to ensure speedy access to justice,” he said.
The governor stressed the determination of the current administration to0 ensure speedy administration of justice as well as protection of human rights, especially provision of free legal services for the vulnerable citizens through the office of the Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission PDCRC).
He commended the PDCRC director general, Abdullahi Zakari, for ensuring that the commission remains the watchdog in ensuring promotion and protection of human rights of the citizens of the state.
The Country Representative of AGA-Africa, Anthony Idige, who was represented by coordinator AGA-Africa Ebelechukwu Enedah, stated the importance of electronic evidence, saying the world has to advance in technology, noting that the use of technology to commit a crime was also increasing in the society.
