Abakaliki
The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ebonyi State, Dr. Ben Odoh, has called for a stronger partnership between the media and the government to enhance accountability and good governance.
Dr. Odoh stressed this when he received members of Association of Ikwo Noyo Media Practitioners who were on courtesy visit to his office, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, Thursday.
Dr. Odoh pointed out the vital role the media plays in society, asserting that effective governance cannot be achieved without the media serving as a vigilant watchdog. "The government cannot work effectively without the media doing the work of checks and balances. Serve as a watchdog on us because your correct reportage will keep us on our toes and also help us avoid crossing red lines," he stated.
While extending congratulations to Chief Ewa Nworie and his executive members on their recent election and inauguration into elective positions in the association, Dr. Odoh reiterated the significance of the media in scrutinizing the actions of the government, noting that such oversights, enhances accountability and transparency in governance.
The Attorney General further shared insights into ongoing justice reforms in Ebonyi State, disclosing the shift from a traditional retributive justice system to a restorative justice systeml. He explained that the new system focuses on reconciliation, compensation, and reintegration of offenders rather than solely on punishment. "We created a paradigm shift from the retributive justice system to the restorative justice system, focusing on reconciliation, reinstitution, reintegration, and restoration," Dr. Odoh explained.
He elaborated that the restorative approach seeks to restore peace in the society, reconcile offenders and victims, and provide compensation to victims. "If the criminal defendant can afford it, he pays compensation. If not, the government steps in. Our goal is reintegrating the ex-offender back into society without shaming," he added.
Dr. Odoh also recalled a recent case where a mistake in an autopsy report nearly led to the wrongful conviction of an innocent person. "The pathologist who conducted the autopsy omitted one crucial word, which could have sent someone to prison to die by hanging. He left out the word 'no' in his report, where he meant to say there was no injury on the skull. I caught the error while vetting the file," he narrated.
According to the Attorney General, he instructed the pathologist to go to court and rectify the error through a new affidavit, ultimately saving the innocent person from a wrongful conviction. "If we hadn't reviewed that report, that man would have been sentenced to death," he emphasized.
He further reassured the media practitioners of his office's commitment to transparency and open communication. He urged the media to work in synergy with the government to meet the people's needs.
Earlier, the President of the Association of Ikwo Media Practitioner, Chief Ewa Nworie praised the Attorney General for his impressive work in justice reform and his swift dispensation of justice. "The Association of Ikwo Noyo Media Practitioners is very proud of you, sir, especially for your achievements in justice reform and quick dispensation of justice," Nworie said.
He further noted that the association was formed to unite journalists from Ikwo and to work with stakeholders to promote peace, unity, and progress in Ikwo Local Government Area. "Our mandate includes agenda setting for leaders of Ikwo extraction to ensure they work towards developing Ikwo LGA," Nworie added.
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