Chris Awhawha
The Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative has urged Government at all levels to formulate people-oriented policies to alleviate poverty and project policies that will enhance the human potentials to make life worth living in Nigeria.
This call was made by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative in collaboration with Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Ambassador, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe during the 2nd Annual Congress Dialogue Day 2024 at Effurun, Delta State.
Ambassador Egedegbe said that the call became necessary as some government policies are not favourable to the majority of Nigerians, adding that their organization will continue to call on the government on their several policies that are not in tandem with the people who elected them.
According to him “When Government is formulating policies, they should do so with the interest of the citizens at heart. Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that, policies should be based on the principles of democracy and social justice as sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from where government derives all its power and authority”
He posited that the constitution provides that the Government that harnesses the resources of the nation should promote national prosperity and efficient, dynamic and self-reliant economy as well control the nation in such a manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom of every citizen on the basis of social justice, opportunity and equity.
“We are a voice to the voiceless citizens of Nigeria. We are ready to engage the government at all levels to do the needful especially in respect to the high cost of living, that is biting the common citizens harshly and the corruption that has gotten to the zenith in Nigeria unabated with plethora of agencies” he added.
Ambassador Egedegbe affirmed that the vision of the organization was based on rights and privileges of every citizen to be respected irrespective of tribe, religion, colour with the mission to enhance citizens capacity through training, public enlightenment campaigns, dialogue and also to work with other stakeholders to ensure probity and accountability in governance and society.
A lecture with the theme: ‘Delayed Justice in Nigeria Judiciary System, What can Be Done Differently’ was delivered by His Lordship, Hon. Justice A. O. Akpovi where he X-rayed the causes of delay in judicial procedure to include legal process, shortage of judges, too much reliance on investigation, correctional centres not bringing defendants to court, fear of victimization, lack of finances, insecurity, lack of infrastructure, inefficiency by court staff, strike by Judiciary staff, health challenge, delay tactics by lawyers, transfer of judges, pressure and intimidation of judges among others.
He proceeded to proffer solutions to the causes of delayed justice in Nigeria and how to improve on the judicial system in Nigeria.
A panel of discussants which includes Akpoherhe Peter Esq. A. L. Aikpokpo-Martins (Mrs.), Esq., Jessa O. Cynthia Esq., Jordon Omagufi lgho Susan (Mrs.) and Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo featured in the programme.
There were also goodwill messages from the representatives of security personnel, community leaders, youth representatives, women representatives, NBA, NUJ and other agencies.