An intellectual think-tank, the Centre for Criminal Justice Reform & Citizen Awareness (CJRCA), (incorporating the Criminology institute of Nigeria) has commended the Intersociety for civil liberties and the rule of law, stating that it has earned its pride of place in the comity of human rights organizations (both at home and abroad).

A statement signed by Dr. Barr. Paul David Chukwudi Obianaso, Chief Consultant Criminologist, Security & Counter Terrorism Expert, DG & BOT Chairman, CJRCA, noted: “In our view, lntersociety has kept faith with its core MANDATE and has continued to deliver on its Primary Objectives and Directive Principles, as it were, in the midst of far reaching challenges and difficulties in an environment that is largely very hostile to truth, civility, decency and observance of basic norms of human decency.”

It said that although the CJRCA has had no direct or indirect contacts with any members of the lntersociety team over the years, “but we have followed up on the activities and reports of lntersociety as a group (without their knowledge) and have independently verified or confirmed many of their reports and submissions and found them credible and authentic.

“We do these in the course of ‘our-behind-the-scene’ routine investigations, especially in gathering our data which constitute non-state actor reports for Criminal Justice Statistics in Nigeria.”

The group further explained: “We have absolutely nothing to gain by our commendation of lntersociety, except to uphold the truth and accord respect and honour to whom it is due. The hard work of lntersociety over the years has earned them our commendation without their soliciting for it in any manner whatsoever.

“As a frontline and legally constituted Criminal Justice Reform & Citizens Awareness, nongovernmental organization with a very radical disposition and utter contempt for criminality – terrorism, corruption, extra-judicial killings, corrupt elements, fraudulent practices by government actors and systems, money laundering, human and other sundry people’s rights abusers or violators – we find the work of lntersociety over the years, not only commendable but very exemplary.

“The CJRCA established since 1995 does not accept funding from private or public individuals, governments or organizations, both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. We however go into partnerships with very credible organizations we find to be healthy in persuasion and principles, in line with our core values.

“Being aware that there are rogue elements, organizations and governments all over the world, we have been extremely very careful about those we engage, or commend over the years. Once in a great while, we selectively and carefully engage in some of these stakeholders’ partnerships.

“For instance, we have in the past partnered with the Nigerian institute of Management (NIM), Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the National Assembly including the Senate leadership under Senator, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo (i.e. our joint efforts led to what eventually became the EFCC Act), the Department for international Development of the UK Government (DFID), the National Judicial institute and the National Maritime Authority (NMA) as it then was (under the leadership of Chief Ferdinand Agu as DG), NAFDAC (under the leadership of Prof Dora Akunyili), among so many others.

“Our partnership with them majorly centered on organizing specialist trainings, conferences and workshops on: Prevention of Corruption and Terrorism; Enhancing State & Private Security, Prevention of White Collar Crimes. We also conducted various critical but complex training programs on topical national and international issues and related others.

“In all these, CJRCA does not accept funding. We only allow participating Partners in our programs to directly bear the costs of certain aspects of the programs agreed upon before engagement. Against the above background therefore, our Commendation is intended to encourage lntersociety to continue with the good but very difficult job they are doing.

“This is particularly important in view of the precarious human rights situation in the South East of Nigeria. The labours of intersociety shall not be in vain. We are aware of detractors and paid agents of the State who would, from time to time attempt to smear you and undermine your good works, but, again, be encouraged as they would fail as they have often failed. Keep the flag flying? Your efforts are impacting the system and society at various levels,” CJRCA declared.

Update news