By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA — In what appears like a renewed bid to checkmate operations of anti-graft agencies in the country, the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke Bello, SAN, Tuesday, constituted a seven-man committee to fashion out fresh modus operandi that would enhance fight against corruption and engender positive reforms in the justice sector.

Terms of reference for the panel encompasses short and medium term goals, among which include evolving a workable reform blueprint for the criminal justice sector, National Human Rights Commission, improved international cooperation mechanisms, improved accountability and efficiency of Federal Ministry of Justice and allied other institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

Members of the committee, which is headed by a High Court Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, are Oluwale Fapohunda, Olasupo Sasore, Mrs. Juliet Ibekwu, Prof. Peter Akpe, Davidson Ereme, Prof. Yemi Adeseye, Dr. Orakwe, Mrs. Olujimi Oluyele, Felix Okojie and Prof Adedeji Adekunle who will act as Secretary.

The AGF gave the panel 24 months to come up with tangible reform proposals in the form of draft legislation, guidelines and recommendations that would improve justice administration in the country.

He said when the justice sector was reformed, it would positively reflect on every sphere of the economy.

He tasked the group to “study all relevant background reports, draft legislation, documents and information published since 2004 on reforms in the justice sector. Develop an implementation programmes for each strategic objective; evaluate efficiency of implementing agencies and personnel.

As well as, “develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the assessment of progress made in the implementation of the strategic plan; to recommend initiatives or programmes for the reform of institutions or procedures within the justice sector for approval of AGF”.

The Committee is also charged with the responsibility of recommending to the AGF draft legislation, guidelines or other methodology to actualise reforms programmes.