Group urges FG to tackle delayed justice in Judiciary

By Chuks Peter, DELTA |

Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), Pastor, Ambassador Edewor Egedegbe, has called for immediate reforms in Nigeria’s judicial system, citing delayed justice as a growing threat to the nation’s democracy.

Egedegbe made this appeal on Wednesday, during the organization’s 2nd Annual Congress Dialogue Day, held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, in collaboration with Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative and Shamar Educational Foundation.

In his welcome address, Egedegbe emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of citizens and ensuring that justice is delivered promptly. He stated that delayed justice is causing citizens to lose faith in the judiciary, which could lead to dangerous consequences.

According to him, “Our theme this year, ‘Nigeria @ 64: Delayed Justice in the Nigerian Judiciary System, What Can Be Done Differently,’ was carefully selected. We are witnessing a rise in delayed justice due to certain human factors that need to be addressed urgently before the common man resorts to self-help,” Egedegbe said.

He further outlined the mission of CRCEI and the Human Rights Protection Congress (HRPC), a coalition of civil rights organizations, to work alongside government institutions to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens. He noted that the organization is not antagonistic towards the government but seeks collaboration to promote accountability and good governance.

He said, “We are a voice to the voiceless citizens of Nigeria, and we are ready to engage the government at all levels, particularly concerning the high cost of living and the corruption that has reached unprecedented levels,” he added.

Egedegbe highlighted several interventions by HRPC over the past year, including advocacy visits to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the Director-General of Security, and the Delta State House of Assembly. He also noted the organization’s efforts to provide free legal services to inmates at the Okere-Warri Correctional Centre and clear medical bills for patients at Udu and Orerokpe General Hospitals.

He expressed gratitude to the guest speaker, Hon. Justice A.O Akpovi of Warri High Court 2, whom he described as “a distinguished legal practitioner with vast experience on the bench.” Justice Akpovi, in his keynote address, discussed the factors contributing to delayed justice in Nigeria’s judicial system, emphasizing the need for practical solutions to restore public confidence in the judiciary.

Egedegbe concluded his address with a clarion call for citizens to hold the government accountable while also living by the principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

He also said, “This is a clarion call for citizens to engage with the government at all levels. We are determined to awaken the consciousness of the people to speak truth to power,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chief Judge of Delta State, the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police, royal fathers, and representatives from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). The congress aims to equip the public with knowledge on critical governance issues and propose solutions for a better Nigeria.

The congress continues with panel discussions on the Nigerian judiciary and its role in fostering a just society.