The Federal Government, on Monday, called on the stakeholders in the justice sector to embrace restorative justice in conflict resolution.
Mr Mohammed Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Justice, made the call in Abuja. during the opening of a two-day sensitisation workshop for facilitators on implementation of restorative justice in FCT.
He said the event was organised to align the collective will toward a new approach to justice, “one that fosters healing, reconciliation, accountability and restoration.”
According to him, restorative justice is more than just a policy initiative.
“It is a paradigm shift on how we approach conflict, crime and harm within our communities.
“It challenges us to think beyond punishment and retribution, asking us to reimagine justice as a process of repair, resolution, and reintegration.
“The concept of restorative justice goes to the root of our Africaness, which believes that we cannot come back from court and remain as good neighbours.
“Today, we are here to explore how we, as key stakeholders, can work together to successfully implement this innovative model in the FCT,” he said.
Abubakar said restorative justice is about addressing harm rather than merely punishing offenders.
He said it was based on three foundational principles.
These are, “repairing the harm: Offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and make amends to those they have harmed, including the victims and the community.
“Involving all stakeholders: Restorative justice brings together victims, offenders, and the community to address the harm collectively, promoting understanding, healing and closure.
“Rebuilding relationships: It seeks to restore relationships that have been damaged by crime or conflict, fostering reintegration and preventing future harm,” he said.
He called on the law enforcement agencies, judiciary, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, government agencies and community members to embrace the system.
Prof. Muhammed Ladan, former Director General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, said the adoption of the system was to address the problem in the criminal justice system.
Ladan said the twin problems of court congestion and overcrowding of the correctional centres would be reduced drastically through restorative justice.
The ex-DG, who said restorative justice is already part of the traditional system, said: “so what we need is complementarity.”
The Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo, said he was delighted with the effort at reforming the Nigeria’s justice sector.
He said the justuce system is faced with so many challenges.
“We are here to discuss the matter that will reduce the burden in the system.
“Restorative justice is our own system of addressing justice untill the western world received it.
“Restorative justice is very original to us and it is our course. I am glad we are begining to embrace it though with some changes in it,” he said.
He said the system would ensure that the offenders are accountable “and by so doing, you will bring healing and de-escalate further conflicts.”
Ayedoo, who said traditional institution is more effectively in dealing with dispute resolution, said the aim would not be effectively achieved if they are not being carried along.
Judges, lawyers, lecturers, etc, were among participants at the event.
