…As NASS advocates improvement on quality of ration served on inmates
Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has urged the Federal Government to construct Isolation Centers in the nation’s Reformatory Institutions, geared towards curtailing the spread of Coronavirus pandemic among inmates.
In similar vein, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee of Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Anayo Nwowu, has expressed worry over the poor quality ration served to inmates serving in the nation’s Correctional Centers.
Governor Umahi, represented by his deputy Kelechi Igwe, made the appeal, in Abakaliki, on Wednesday, when members of the House Committee of Reformatory Institutions paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.
He urged the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to build Isolation Centers in the nation’s Correctional Centers to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“There is need to build Isolation Centers in Correctional Centers across the country, the Presidential Task Force should spend money in constructing isolation centers.”
He said that his administration on assumption of office in 2015 embarked on the construction of six massive structures at the Abakaliki Correctional Center to improve the condition of the centers.
“We embarked on this construction because the inmates are still citizens of the country, some them in the course of service acquire skills and come out as entrepreneurs in various trades.”
He decried the poor quality of food served to inmates at the Centers and urged the Federal Government to do more in improving the ration.
“The quality of food served on inmates needs to be touched, the Committee needs to speak to Federal Government about the food served to inmates.
“Look at the Curriculum to see if it is actually a Correctional Center or punishment, check the curriculum to ensure it is in tandem with Criminal Justice System.”
Earlier in his speech, Hon. Nwowu said that members of the committee were in the state as part of their oversight function to inspect facilities in Correctional Centers and other Reformatory Institutions in the state.
In his words, “We are here to carry out oversight obligations concerning Correctional Service, we intend to cover the 36 States across the six geo-political zones of the country.
“Our aim is to assess the condition of Correctional Service to make recommendations to the National Assembly on repositioning the institutions in line with International Best Practices.”
Hon. Nwonu called on the State Government to look into the State Criminal Justice System with regards to ‘Awaiting Trial Persons’ in the Correctional Centers.
The Committee Chairman commended Governor Umahi for the on-going construction of six centers at Abakaliki Correctional Center and urged other State Governments to emulate the initiative.
Other members of the House Committee included Hon. Chinedu Ogah representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency Ebonyi State, Hon. Abdulahi Halem, Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, among others.
In attendance during the event were the Ebonyi State Controller of Correctional Service, Mr. Boniface Ogbudu, his counterpart from Enugu State, Emelue Joseph, members of the State Executive Council, Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Anselem Nwaigwe, among others.
