The Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, has expressed satisfaction with the performance and accomplishments of the Steering Committee of the Restorative Justice Sector Reform Commission set up to ensure peaceful settlement of cases across the State.
Justice Alogba, who stated this during the visit by members of the Committee to his office at Ikeja, thanked them for the accomplishments of the tasks assigned, saying “It is heart-warming to hear the various things the committee has put in place since inception”.
He equated the Restorative Justice System to a peacemaking venture that leaves both parties happy after the settlement of cases, adding that there is a need for it to be properly structured, articulated and funded towards ensuring that sanity prevails afterwards.
While noting that restorative justice eases hostility between parties that have come for settlement, the Chief Judge advised the committee to ensure that once a case is concluded, the judgement should be documented in court as tenable evidence for future reference.
He, therefore, expressed his appreciation to the team leader, Dr. Akeem Bello, and other members of the Steering Committee, assuring them of the Judiciary’s full support in the administration of the justice system.
Earlier, the Head of the Steering Committee of Restorative Justice Sector Reform Commission, Dr. Akeem Bello, briefed the Chief Judge and other members of the State Judiciary about the Committee’s efforts and giant strides in respect of the assigned task.
He stated that the Steering Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee in Lagos State, successfully developed a draft of processes for the Lagos State restorative justice system and articulated the various strategies in achieving the goals and objectives of the committee.
The Team Leader also disclosed that the Committee had organised a series of training programmes for Magistrates and staff through the support of the British Council.
Pointing out that the Committee is also working in collaboration with the Citizens Mediation Centre’ and the Multi-Door Courthouse of the Lagos State Judiciary for amicable settlement of cases, Bello noted that the committee has also set up accreditation criteria for parties involved in the administration of the Restorative Justice system.
He also thanked the Ministry of Justice for providing a centre dedicated to the Restorative Justice system, saying that awareness and sensitisation will soon be in full gear so that citizens can access the services.
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