CLEEN Foundation charges journalists to drive reforms in justice sector, gender-responsive governance
CLEEN Foundation charges journalists to drive reforms in justice sector, gender-responsive governance
Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
A non governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation, has charged media practitioners in Benue to hold government and justice sector actors accountable, to fast track reforms of the justice sector and advance gender-responsive governance.
Executive Director, CLEEN foundation Mr Peter Maduoma said this is necessary to ensure the full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, ACJL and the Women in governance, Peace and Security, WPS, agenda in the state.
Maduoma gave the charge at the opening session of a three day workshop on Strengthening Rights-Based Approach to ACJA framework and Advancing Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Nigeria, held in Makurdi on Tuesday.
He urged journalists to strengthen their constitutional role through constructive reportage that could promote human rights, and ensure full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, and the Women in governance, peace and security agenda in Benue State.
Maduoma insisted that the media remained indispensable in driving justice sector reforms and advancing gender-responsive governance not only in Benue but across Nigeria.
He explained that the workshop would specifically focus on human rights protection through adequate reporting on the State ACJA and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Maduoma emphasised the critical role of media practitioners in strengthening accountability within the justice system in Nigeria, and Benue State in particular.
The Executive Director noted that although the Administration of Criminal Justice Act was adopted in Benue State in 2015, wide gap still remains in implementation.
“Implementation of the ACJA and its state versions has not been consistent. There are still significant weaknesses, including gaps in gender-responsive governance that hinder progress in justice reform. These are issues that journalists must continue to spotlight,” he said.
“CLEEN Foundation had already carried out baseline assessments, organised capacity-strengthening sessions for justice sector actors, set up state ACJL working groups and supported the establishment of multi-stakeholder implementation and monitoring committees for the WPS agenda.
“We are here in the State to build journalists’ capacity, share findings from the project’s field engagements, and solicit perspectives from the media on how justice institutions could be better held to account.
“This programme brings together a two-day training for journalists, followed by a policy brief dissemination on the State ACJL and WPS.
“Beyond public sensitization, we envisage that the findings will guide policy makers and justice actors in making necessary adjustments to improve justice delivery”, the executive director said.
While thanking the Royal Norwegian Embassy for funding the initiative and to the project’s research team, he said their efforts has aided in strengthening justice sector reforms in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, noted that the workshop is both timely and essential in a society striving for justice, equity, and sustainable peace.
In this respect, he said the role of the media and legal practitioners cannot be overemphasized.
“Journalists serve as the watchdogs of society, while lawyers remain critical defenders of justice and the rule of law. When both professionals work collaboratively and responsibly, the protection of human rights is strengthened, public trust is enhanced, and democratic values are upheld.
“The focus on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law is particularly commendable. Effective reporting in this area helps demystify legal processes, promotes transparency, and ensures accountability within the justice system.
“As journalists, we must continue to uphold the highest standards of the profession by holding firm to the ethics ,accuracy, balance and especially on issues relating to human rights and vulnerable groups”, Ugber added.
Also, speaking, the Chairperson of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Elizabeth Achagh, said role of the media in implementing human rights laws and the action plan on Women, Peace and Security can not be overemphasized.
According to her, human rights protection is strengthened when the justice system is transparent, accountable, and effectively communicated to the public.
“In Benue State, adequate reporting on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law is essential in promoting fairness, ensuring speedy trials, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
“Equally, amplifying issues around Women, Governance, Peace, and Security helps to highlight the role of women in decision-making, conflict resolution, and community development,” she said.
The WPS law in Benue State elapsed on March 24,2026 and needs total review.