October 27, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Government has inaugurated an Independent Monitoring Committee to oversee the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), marking what it described as 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.
The workshop focused on strengthening criminal justice processes and ensuring compliance with the ACJL.
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Joseph A. Udoh, was appointed chairman of the committee, while Barrister Comfort Udo, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, will serve as Legal Adviser.
Other members include Chief Magistrate Helen Umanah (Vice Chairman), Mrs. Amaka Asuzu of the National Human Rights Commission (Secretary), Barrister Sampson Adula of the Legal Aid Council (Advocacy Lead), and Barrister Emmanuel Udoyen of the Nigerian Bar Association (Assistant Advocacy Lead). Veteran journalist, Comrade Solomon Okpo, will serve as the Communication and Visibility Lead.
Speaking after his inauguration, Udoh described the assignment as “both a privilege and a call to service,” pledging to foster collaboration 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.
He added that stronger institutional collaboration would help reduce case delays, protect human rights, and promote accountability.
During the workshop, participants discussed advocacy and coalition building, monitoring and evaluation of ACJL compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Sessions were facilitated by CLEEN Foundation’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Maduoma, and Programme Manager, Mrs. Chigozirim Okoro.
The event concluded with the formal signing of the committee’s Terms of Reference by Maduoma and Udoh, symbolising a shared commitment to justice sector reform and institutional accountability in Akwa Ibom State.
