SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI ALIYU AKWE DOMA, OON (GARKUWAN DOMA), EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP ON THE ROLE OF INVESTIGATING POLICE OFFICERS AND POLICE PROSECUTORS IN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, HELD AT NIPDC CONFERENCE HOTEL, LAFIA, TUESDAY, 10TH JUNE, 2008

PROTOCOL

It gives me pleasure to address you today on this important occasion of a one-day workshop on the Role of Investigating Police Officers and Police Prosecutors in Criminal Prosecution, organized by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice for Police personnel drawn from the Nasarawa State Police Command.

2.    I commend the Ministry of Justice for organizing this workshop which I am informed is aimed at enhancing the performance and commitment of investigating Police officers and prosecutors in the administration of justice.

3.    The choice of the theme of this workshop, which is "Towards a Better Criminal Justice System in Nasarawa State", is as significant as it is timely, because it is in tandem with the policy of this Administration to ensure efficient and effective judicial system. I believe that a workshop of this type will offer participants an opportunity to take a deeper look into the procedural and operational challenges faced in the prosecution process.

4.    Ladies and gentlemen, in our collective effort to rid our society of crime, it is necessary for all agencies in the administration of justice to constantly interact with a view to understanding their roles and responsibilities of furthering the course of justice.

5.    Let me observe at this juncture that some of the factors attributed to the worrisome situation of prison congestion and awaiting trial syndrome are delays in investigation and faulty prosecution. I do hope that this workshop will address these issues.   

6.    This Administration believes that for the Police to effectively carry out their responsibility of investigation and prosecution, the enabling environment should be created. In this regard, Government will sustain its support to the police in the areas of provision of infrastructure and equipment. It is our belief that this support will better prepare the police in the task of combating crime and prosecuting criminal suspects.

7.    I should use this opportunity to reiterate the need for constant training and retraining of officers and men of the Nigeria Police to keep abreast with standards of professionalism. Only in this way can you meet up with public expectations in the discharge of your duties.

8.    I cannot end this address without calling on investigating police officers to always ensure that investigations are promptly concluded and suspects prosecuted to avoid delays in prosecutions and congestions in detention rooms and prisons.

9.    In conclusion, I call on all members of our society to always accord maximum cooperation to law enforcement agents in the performance of their official functions.  It is by so doing that we can drastically reduce crime in our society and ensure that citizens carry out their legitimate economic activities without let or hindrance.
10.    On this note, it is my pleasure to declare the workshop on the Role of Investigating Police Officers and Police Prosecutors in Criminal Prosecution open.  

11.    Thank you and God bless.