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By Akpan David, Calabar
The Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), a Non governmental Organization (NGO), based in Lagos in partnership with Liberty Now, an NGO in Uyo and another NGO, Noble Organization for Solidarity and Development (NOSAD) have called for the establishment of a Trust Fund for Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCS).
At a news conference in Calabar, the executive director of Liberty Now, Barrister Innih Archibong urged the Federal Government to act fast, saying the fund will enable them effectively implement the non custodial provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
Archibong called on the Board of the Police Trust Fund to ensure that the funds appropriated by the National Assembly and other funds available to it are employed to advance the forward looking provision of of the administrative of Criminal Justice Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Cross River State.
The body of Law Services had worked to ensure passage of the ACJL (2016) in Cross River State, Carried out awareness on the ACJL (The manual developed and distributed).
Currently, the body of Law Justice are working to ensure effective implementation of the ACJL. Part of which includes ensuring adequate funding of the relevant agencies ( Police and Prisons).
The Nigerian government recently established the Police Trust Fund and constituted the board for the fund. Last week the National Assembly approved the budget of N74billion for the Police Trust Fund.
Purpose is to call on the Board of Trust Fund to ensure appropriated funds is used to advance provisions in the administration of criminal justice. Likewise, advocate for the establishment of trust fund for the NCS to enable them effectively implement non,- custodial provisions in the ACJL
Archibong said as you know, we have worked in collaboration with Cross River State House of Assembly to ensure passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the state.
