Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring humane treatment for inmates across Nigeria’s correctional facilities while emphasizing plans to rehabilitate and modernize correctional centers in the state.
Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with members of the Federal House of Representatives' Committee on Reformatory Institutions, led by Chairman Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Governor Otti stressed the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration of detainees into society.
The Governor disclosed that his administration has already initiated plans to renovate the Aba and Umuahia Correctional Centers, with designs submitted and currently under review. He also raised concerns about the encroachment on the Aba correctional facility’s land and pledged to recover the property to ensure the center functions optimally.
“Our goal is to ensure that correctional centers truly live up to their name by correcting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating inmates into society,” Governor Otti stated.
He further assured collaboration with correctional services to decongest the facilities and facilitate the release and reintegration of individuals held for minor offenses.
Governor Otti highlighted that upon assuming office in 2023, his administration undertook a comprehensive review of correctional facilities in the state, leading to the release of many individuals unjustly detained. He noted that a similar review was conducted in 2024, with no new cases of unlawful detention reported. However, fresh reports have prompted him to direct the Special Adviser on Security to collaborate with the Controller of Correctional Services for another thorough review.
While affirming his commitment to decongesting correctional centers, Governor Otti stressed that public safety would not be compromised. “Justice and rehabilitation must go hand in hand. While serious offenders must be kept from endangering society, minor offenders who have been reformed deserve a second chance,” he said.
The Governor also praised the intervention of the First Lady in securing a temporary release for a heavily pregnant woman involved in a pension fraud case. He revealed that he had instructed the Attorney General to advocate for a variation of her bail conditions to enable her legal release.
Commending the House Committee members for their dedication to their oversight responsibilities despite limited resources, Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Abia.
He acknowledged the legacies of visionary leaders such as M.I. Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, Jaja Wachuku, Akanu Ibiam, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Nnamdi Azikiwe as sources of inspiration for his leadership.
In his remarks, Hon. Chinedu Ogah lauded Governor Otti for his infrastructure initiatives and efforts to improve correctional facilities in the state. He noted that Abia remains the only Southeastern state with a 3,000-capacity correctional center in Uzuakoli and urged the Governor to address the road leading to the facility.
Ogah also praised the Governor’s provisions, including water supply, solar streetlights, and facility reinforcements, which have significantly improved living conditions for inmates. He revealed that committee members had personally funded their oversight visit, emphasizing their dedication despite financial constraints.
The meeting was attended by key state officials, including Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), CSP Ken Nwosu (CSO), Maduka Obiora (CSO), and Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters, Barr. Nkolika Ubani.
0 Comments