The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) has commended the Government of Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria, for passing into law yesterday the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, the Arbitration Law and the Ekiti State Law Reform Commission Law.

“We applaud the reform-focus leadership of Governor Kayode John Fayemi, and commend the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for the innovations introduced in justice administration in the state,” HRAN said this afternoon in a statement iseud in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

The statement signed by HRAN by the chairman, Chino Obiagwu, and Lanre Suraj for the Steering Committee, recalled that Ekiti lawmakers had earlier passed into law the Prohibition of Violence against Persons Law, Gender Equal Opportunities Law, and the Social Security Law, all geared towards improving justice and social services for its citizens. It also noted that the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs has since established a Register of Sexual Offenders, aimed at tackling the rising incidents of sex crimes across the country.

HRAN called on the Ekiti State judiciary, the police and justice ministry “to fully implement the new laws in order to increase access to justice and efficient delivery of justice in the state.” According to the group, “In particular, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, when we’ll implemented, will curtail the delays in the criminal justice system and improve respect for the human rights of suspects and other persons in conflict with the law.”

HRAN also urged the Ekiti State House of Assembly “to speed up the passing of other justice sectors bills pending before it especially the Magistrates Court Law Amendment Bill in order to ensure wholistic reform of the justice system in the state.” It equally called on other states “to replicate the progressive legal and justice reforms in Ekiti State so that Nigerians can enjoy the benefits of a democratic society.”

•Photo shows Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

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