- Safiu Kehinde
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has pledged to review cases and ensure release of inmates illegally detained in Correctional Centres for criticising the previous government.
Otti made the pledge when the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Mr Chinedu Ogah paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving prison conditions and ensuring justice for detainees across the state.
He announced that architectural designs for the renovation of correctional facilities had been completed and submitted for verification.
Otti, however, acknowledged that encroachment issues at the Aba center had delayed the commencement of rehabilitation work, a challenge his administration is determined to resolve.
He reaffirmed his dedication to justice, revealing that reviews conducted in 2023 and 2024 aimed to identify and release individuals unjustly detained—especially those incarcerated for political reasons or minor offenses.
“We found many people languishing in Afara Prison simply for criticising or opposing the previous government.
“We ensured that all such cases were reviewed, and those held illegally were released,” he said.
To further decongest correctional facilities, Otti pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly to assist detainees unable to meet stringent bail conditions.
He also highlighted a recent intervention by the state’s First Lady, who facilitated the temporary release of a heavily pregnant woman involved in a pension fraud case, allowing her to deliver her child safely in a hospital.
The governor stressed the importance of distinguishing between minor offenders and individuals who posed genuine threats to society.
According to him, this is to ensure that correctional facilities serve as rehabilitation centers rather than breeding grounds for criminality.
Otti reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve living conditions within Abia’s correctional facilities and commended officials overseeing prison operations in spite of limited resources.
He emphasised that true leadership required sacrifice and dedication.
According to him, he draws inspiration from the legacies of esteemed leaders such as M.I. Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, Jaja Wachuku, Akanu Ibiam, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“We are committed to rewriting the history of Abia State and redeeming the image of our people. We will continue to work tirelessly to achieve that vision,” he affirmed.
Earlier, Ogah, commended Otti for his remarkable infrastructural achievements and dedication to improving correctional facilities across the state.
He noted that Abia remained the only state in the Southeast with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Center in Uzuakoli.
He also praised the governor for providing critical amenities such as water supply, solar streetlights, and structural reinforcements to various correctional centers, describing these efforts as life-changing for inmates.
The committee chairman explained that their visit was in line with the amended Section 48 of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which transferred Correctional Services from the exclusive list to the concurrent list.
According to him, the amendment empowers state governors to construct, maintain, and upgrade correctional facilities within their jurisdictions.
Ogah drew the governor’s attention to the poor condition of the road leading to the Uzuakoli Correctional Center and appealed for intervention.
“Abia State has made commendable progress under your leadership, Your Excellency.
“However, we urge you to address the deplorable condition of the road leading to the Uzuakoli Correctional Center.
“Given your impressive track record, we are confident that you will consider this request favorably,” Ogah said.
He expressed concern over the prolonged detention of some inmates—many of whom had spent years in custody without appearing in court or meeting stringent bail conditions.
Ogah urged the governor to set up a committee to engage inmates serving non-custodial sentences.
This, he said, would enhance rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
“Correctional centers play a crucial role in national security.
“If inmates are not properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, they risk becoming a greater threat to the state and the nation,” he warned.
Ogah also praised Otti’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment.
He cited the establishment of a shoe and garment facility within the correctional center as a transformative initiative for inmates.
“This is a remarkable achievement that has positively impacted the lives of inmates,” he said.
He further revealed that committee members had pooled personal resources to conduct the oversight visit, underscoring their commitment to the assignment in spite of limited funding.