By :
Chukwu Peace Chioma
Information Officer (PDCRC)
Kogi State Public Defender and Citizen’s Rights Commission (PDCRC), says it is committed to Strengthening the Justice system and allowing Citizens Rights.
Director General of the Commission Idris Onogo Esq stated this during an exclusive interview with Our crew in his office.
The Director General said Since assuming office in February 2024, the commission has made significant strides in legal advocacy, citizens rights protection, and community engagement.
According to him, his leadership has transformed the Commission into a formidable institution, ensuring access to justice for the people of Kogi State.
He said one of his administration’s major achievements is a statewide sensitization campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the Commission’s roles and relevant laws, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child’s Rights Law, emphasizing that in order to achieve this, he has engaged with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, fostering collaboration to promote legal awareness and human rights protection.
Such engagements he stressed, have helped in bridging the gap between the Commission and local communities, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about their rights and legal protections available to them.
“In addition to advocacy, the PDCRC has prioritized access to legal representation, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Through strategic interventions, the Commission facilitated the release of 20 inmates at Koton Karifi Prison and seven inmates at the Kabba Correctional Centre. Many of these individuals had been incarcerated without legal representation, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to justice for the underserved”, he stated.
The Director General however enumerated some of the challenges of the commission to include lack of
operational vehicles, limited funding, and inadequate training opportunities among others.
Idris Onogo Esq commended the current administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing notable support to the Commission, particularly in staff welfare, saying that Salaries are now paid promptly, thereby significantly boosting staff morale.
Additionally, infrastructure improvements have enhanced access to PDCRC services across different parts of the state.
Onogo assured that the PDCRC will sustain significant progress in handling family disputes, particularly child custody and support cases by mediating in such disputes, in order to secure the welfare of children while promoting peaceful resolution mechanism among families.
He commended the Commission’s legal team, for demonstrating a high level of professionalism and ethical integrity, noting that 11 of them have shown exceptional dedication to their duties, conducting thorough research and representing clients diligently in court proceedings.
“Their commitment continues to elevate the Commission’s reputation as a credible defender of justice”, Onogo remarked.
Looking ahead, Onogo has set ambitious goals for 2025, with a primary focus on securing international training opportunities for his team. The Commission has already received approvals for training programs in South Africa and is working with the Ford Foundation to facilitate additional training in the United States. These initiatives aim to enhance PDCRC’s capacity in human rights advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Another key priority is strengthening partnerships with local government authorities.
Onogo therefore, urged the people of Kogi State to take an active interest in the Commission’s work and participate in sensitization campaigns by engaging with citizens to better understand their rights and legal protections.
