Edo State to Establish Agency for Citizens’ Rights and Dispute Resolution

The Edo State Government, under the Ministry of Justice, hosted its first stakeholders’ committee meeting to discuss the draft bill for establishing the state Citizens’ Rights and Dispute Resolution Agency.

The purpose of this bill is to give a voice to the vulnerable members of society and ensure that their rights are protected.

Hon. Oluwole Osazee-Uzzi (SAN), the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, highlighted the significance of this proposed bill as a means of vindicating the rights of individuals who cannot afford legal representation. He emphasized that the progress and civility of a state hinge on how it treats its vulnerable citizens.

With the goal of creating a robust establishment that provides a platform for the less privileged to express their grievances, participants at the one-day program were urged to brainstorm and find ways to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.

Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, the majority leader at the Edo State House of Assembly, expressed his commitment to law reform and assured attendees that the outcome of the discussion would not be a mere paperwork resolution but would be translated into law.

He promised to rally his colleagues in the House to facilitate the swift passage of the bill, ultimately benefiting the people of Edo State.

Hon. Barbara Osobajo, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Gender Issues, stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in establishing an agency that addresses citizens’ needs, particularly as the number of marital cases continues to rise.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Aigbavboa, encouraged participants to contribute robustly and provide insightful feedback to aid the realization of the proposed bill.

Mrs. Lilian Giwa-Amu, the Director of the Law Review Department and member of the draft bill committee, emphasized that access to justice is a fundamental aspect of enforcing human rights. “The proposed agency’s prime focus is to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of vulnerable individuals in society. Collaborations with stakeholders are being forged to ensure the successful establishment and operation of the agency to benefit the residents of Edo State.” she stated.

During the program, the chairman of the committee, Charity Chris-Ebosele, presented the draft bill, providing an overview of its provisions, objectives, and structure.