………….Reaffirms Commitment To Rehabilitating Correctional Centres In Abia State.
FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has advocated for the humane treatment of inmates at various correctional facilities in Nigeria.
Governor Otti was speaking on Saturday, when he received in audience, the members of the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Reformatory Institutions led by the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Chinedu Ogah in his office.
The Governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitate and improve the Aba and Umuahia Correctional Centers, stressed the need for humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of detainees.
He disclosed that plans for the renovation of the correctional facilities have been underway, with the designs already submitted and undergoing verification.
Governor Otto raised concerns about alleged encroachment on the Aba facility’s land, which he vowed to recover to ensure that the centre is adequately equipped for its purpose.
“We want to ensure that the correctional centers are worthy of their name as places where people are corrected, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society.
“We will work with the Correctional Services to decongest the centres and ensure that those held for minor offenses are released, rehabilitated, and given a second chance,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor further highlighted that upon assumption of office in 2023, his government conducted a thorough review of all correctional facilities in the State to identify individuals who were unjustly detained.
In his words, the exercise led to the release of numerous individuals, particularly those imprisoned for political reasons or minor offenses.
“We made sure that everyone who was illegally detained was released. This was done in 2023, and the process was repeated in 2024 with no new cases of unjust detention reported.
“However, based on fresh reports, I have directed the Special Adviser on Security to collaborate with the Controller of Correctional Services to conduct another comprehensive review,” Gov. Otti stated.
He maintained that his administration remains committed to decongesting correctional centres, ensuring that minor offenders are given fair opportunities to reintegrate back into society.
Gov. Otti pledged not to compromise public safety and reiterated that the government’s approach balances justice with rehabilitation.
Citing a recent example, the Governor praised the intervention of the First Lady in securing a temporary release for a heavily pregnant woman involved in the pension fraud case. He added that following her release, she was taken to a hospital where she has delivered her baby safely.
He further informed the Reformatory Committee that he had since instructed the Attorney General to advocate a variation of her bail conditions to facilitate her legal release.
“We must be compassionate and firm. While serious offenders must be kept from endangering society, minor offenders who have been corrected deserve a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti, who lauded the House Committee members for demonstrating commitment to their oversight functions despite limited resources, emphasised that true leadership often requires sacrifice even as he promised to remain steadfast in his resolve to rebuild Abia as inspired by the legacies of visionary leaders such as M.I. Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, Jaja Wachuku, Akanu Ibiam, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and contributions towards improving correctional facilities within the state.
Hon. Ogah said that they were in Abia State as part of the committee’s oversight functions and praised the Governor’s efforts in enhancing security and boosting artisanship, particularly in Aba, where local products are now proudly labeled “Made in Abia.”
He highlighted the significance of Governor Otti’s initiatives, noting that Abia is the only State in the Southeast with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Center located in Uzuakoli.
“Abia State has made commendable progress under your leadership, Your Excellency. However, we urge you to look into the road leading to the Uzuakoli Correctional Center.
“We believe that with your proven track record, you will address this request,” Ogah said.
He further acknowledged the Governor’s provision of water supply, solar street lights, and various reinforcements at the correctional facilities, describing them as impactful measures that have positively affected the lives of inmates.
He also revealed that the committee members contributed personal funds to undertake the oversight visit, emphasising their commitment to the assignment despite limited resources.
The Governor was joined in the meeting by the Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, Rtd, CSP Ken Nwosu (CSO), Maduka Obiora (CSO) and the Senior Special Assistant on legal matters, Bar. Nkolika Ubani.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify.
HOC,
Federal Information Centre,Umuahia, Abia State.
30 – 03 – 2025.
