By
Opeyemi Balogun & Rotimi Odofin
In its avowed determination to ensure that Kogi People have access to justice, equity and fairness, the administration of Gov Yahaya Bello engaged 150 lawyers to boost the hintherto Ministry of Justice workforce base of 48 lawyers.
The Director General, Kogi State Office of The Public Defender and Citizens Rights Commission, Barrister Abdullahi Zakari disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the commissioner for Information, honourable Kingsley Fanwo in his office earlier today.
The rationale behind the visit is to find common ground on ways to promote the activities of the commission and also help achieve their objectives that is aimed at facilitating quick judgment.
The commission according to the DG has a mandate to investigate and report issues that bothers on human rights,resolve domestic violence, protect the rights of citizens and end delay of judgment.
Barrister Zakari who recalled that governor Yahaya Bello had established the commission 3rd June 2019 says,the mandate of the commission is to provide legal aids and assistance to persons who lack the capacity to hire the services of a lawyer.
It is against this back drop that Kogi state Government employs not less than 198 lawyers to render quick justice to victims of brutalities.
Responding, the honourable commissioner for information, hon. Kingsley Fanwo, restated Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration’s believe in human rights and administration of criminal justice.
While assuring the Commission of the his Ministry’s support, Fanwo said the state government is interested in publicizing the activities of the commission.
According to The commissioner, Kogi State is one of the first few States to put the structure of Public Defender and Citizens Rights in place.
Hon Fanwo who expressed worries on the spate of brutalities of law enforcement agencies says, government will continue to ensure that indigents are free from all forms of brutalities adding that, it would also fish out bad eggs and punish them in accordance to the law of the land.
While commending the commission for their efforts, he appointed the Director of Information Services, Mr. Jordan Akpata to work with the committee.
End
Rotimi Odofin/ Yaemi Balogun
PRO
Ministry of information