Lawyers identify obstacles to ACJ law implementation in Cross River

Two lawyers have identified poor funding and public ignorance as major obstacles to the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) law in Cross River State.

The lawyers spoke separately with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday.

NAN reports that the ACJ law was enacted to speed up criminal trials, protect suspects’ rights, and eliminate delays caused by outdated procedural practices.

The lawyers said slow funding, limited training, and low public understanding have constrained the law’s impact since its adoption, despite reforms at the federal and state levels.

James Ibor, chairman of the ACJ Law State Working Group, said implementation remained weak despite the law’s importance to justice delivery.

He said the newly inaugurated working group, supported by CLEEN Foundation and partners, was committed to driving full implementation of the ACJ Law and Act.

“Beyond funding, lack of public awareness of the Police Act 2020 and ACJ provisions remains a major challenge,” he said.

Mr Ibor is also a principal partner with the Basic Rights Council Initiative.

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Enome Amatey, chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Calabar Branch, said poor ACJ implementation continued to undermine Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Mr Amatey expressed hope that the group’s composition and donor-backed support would strengthen enforcement and accountability across the state.

He attributed funding challenges to bureaucracy and weak budget implementation, urging sustained collaboration to ensure effective administration of justice in Cross River.