A’Ibom Police, PWAN partner for criminal justice reform training

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its drive to strengthen the criminal justice system and entrench the rule of law through a two-day intensive training workshop for its officers.

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, said on 31 October 2025 that the workshop centred on the effective implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022, alongside other supporting legal frameworks.

The training, held from October 30 to 31, 2025, at the Alkali Baba Conference Hall, Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, was facilitated by the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) for its strategic collaboration with the command.

He noted that the initiative represents a vital step in strengthening the state’s security architecture by ensuring that police operations are firmly anchored on the principles of justice and the rule of law.

Azare further urged all participating officers to take the training seriously, describing them as “fortunate to be part of this crucial exercise.”

He emphasised that “no knowledge is a waste,” and urged them to absorb the insights from the training to enhance their professional conduct and service delivery to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The representative of Partners West Africa Nigeria, Ms Aisha Abubakar, expressed her gratitude to Azare for the opportunity to extend the intellectual session to officers of the command.

She also appreciated the participants’ engagement and promised them a productive and enriching learning experience.

During her presentation, Abubakar stressed that the initiative was designed to “refresh and remind officers about the rule of law.”

She delivered an insightful presentation on the profound responsibility borne by law enforcement officers, stating that “When you listen to a survivor’s story, you are holding their hope for justice in your hand.”

Abubakar elaborated that Police Officers are the most visible face of justice and are at the forefront of the law. Emphasising the importance of timely justice, she noted that “delaying justice is denying justice.”

She urged the participating officers to uphold the initiative’s principles through their professionalism, encouraging them to become ambassadors of positive change within the Force.

Abubakar noted that police officers remain the most visible face of justice and serve at the frontline of law enforcement. Emphasising the need for prompt dispensation of justice, she reminded participants that “delaying justice is denying justice.”

She charged the officers to uphold the ideals of the initiative through professionalism and to serve as ambassadors of positive change within the Force.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to continuous capacity building for its personnel, in line with best practices and the pursuit of justice for all citizens.