The International Alert, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), in partnership with the Kaduna peace commission, has launched a programme to promote access to justice and accountability in North Western states of Nigeria.
The programme, to be conducted in Kaduna and Zamfara states, is funded by United Kingdom Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF).
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In his address, Mr Paul Nyulaku, the Country Director of International Alert, said that Nigeria is code named for the programme, as ”Samun Adalci Shine Kwanciyar Hankali” (Achieving justice promotes stability).
Nyulaku said Kaduna and Zamfara states are places where the security situation has deteriorated over the last decade.
He explained that the region is suffering from full-scale violence involving many non-state armed groups such as herder-allied groups, vigilantes, criminal gangs and ethnic militias and this was the reason behind the decision to launch the programme in the two states.
He noted that there is the need for collective efforts in promoting stability and security as the bedrock for building regional global stability.
“Communal violence is exacerbated by the level of impunity witnessed due to the lack of prosecution of perpetrators, weak dispute resolution measures and poor access to justice for survivors” he said.
Giving an overview of the programme, Mr Anicetus Atakpu, the Programme Manager of International Alert, said the programme was aimed at supporting stabilization, social justice and localization of justice by ensuring that people at the local communities get justice.
He said the programme has a four-year duration, adding that the programme stated in February 2023 to be implemented in Kaduna and Zamfara states in four LGAs across eight communities.
According to him, they will be working with local partners in other to increase access to justice in most marginalized communities by addressing issues of dispute resolution.
He said the areas where the programme would be implemented in the two states are Chikum, Jama’a and Zaria in Kaduna state while in Zamfara state it will take place in Birnin Magaji, Maru, Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs.
“The Primary beneficiaries of the programme are women and youth, people with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities, among others.
He said “the secondary beneficiaries are the local community group members, local governments, traditional and religious leaders and media.”
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Saleh Momale, Executive Vice Chairman of the Kaduna peace commission, said North West has been faced with challenges for a while which calls for the need to collectively resolve the issues.
Momale said he is optimistic that the level of technology in place is sufficient to create a platform to achieve sustainable peace in the areas.
According to him, for ensuring lasting peace to be achieved, all the people must come together to agree and show willingness to actualize the targetted programme.
Momale assured of his commission’s total commitment to continue to work towards achieving lasting peace in the state and the country at large.
Speaking also, Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promote peaceful coexistence in the state.
Aruwan appealed to all critical stakeholders to be honest and sincere as peace is necessary for every group and individual.
He called on people to be law-abiding and avoid taking laws into their hands and avoid reprisals.
He also called on the media to always promote peace by creating the right atmosphere for peace through their reportage. (NAN)
