…moves to rehabilitate Abia centres
Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has advocated humane treatment of inmates at various Correctional Facilities nationwide.
Governor Otti made his position known about better treatment of inmates in the Country when received in audience in his Office, the Members of the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Reformatory Institutions led by Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee.
The governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating and improving the Aba and Umuahia Correctional Centres, stressed the need for humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of detainees and inmates.
He stated that plans were underway for the renovation of the Correctional Facilities with the designs already submitted and undergoing verification.
Governor Otti raised concerns over alleged encroachment on the Aba facility’s land, which he vowed to recover and ensured 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.
“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.”
