The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has stressed the importance of diligence, courage and unyielding strength in the discharge of duties for legal officers.
He made this assertion at the opening of a two-day capacity-building programme for the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS), which featured the onboarding of Police Duty Solicitors at the Golden Tulip Hotel in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Benin City.
In his remark, Dr. Osagie explained that the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme exists to ensure human rights intervention, providing suspects in police custody with immediate access to legal representation, thereby preventing prolonged detention and upholding the right to fair hearing. He commended the Edo State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, the Federal ACJMC, and the United Nations Development Programme for their efforts in reforming the State’s criminal justice system.
Highlighting the significance of the Scheme, Dr. Osagie noted that Police Duty Solicitors form the first line of defense at the earliest stage of the criminal process. He charged them to carry out their duties with diligence, courage and an unwavering commitment to justice, assuring them of Government’s unwavering support for the Scheme. As the Chief Law Officer of the State, Dr. Osagie affirmed the Government’s full support for deepening the Scheme and pledged to provide the necessary support to ensure effective service delivery.
The event featured notable dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee. Goodwill messages were received also from the Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Benin Branch and other stakeholders.
Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Justice
PHOTO CAPTION
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Rt. Hon Samson Osagie. FICMC, Ph. D
