UMUAHIA, Nigeria – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced the construction of new correctional facilities as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce prison congestion and enhance inmate rehabilitation in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with the new Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Correctional Services, Owerri Zone E, Dr. Ngozi Amanze, Governor Otti emphasized that the initiative aims to prevent hardened criminal behavior among inmates by improving living conditions and providing opportunities for reform.
“Our intention when we decided to build new facilities is to reduce congestion and reduce the temptation to more crime in there,” Governor Otti stated. “Even when people go there, we want them to be corrected and reformed.”
The Governor revealed that previous attempts to grant pardons to inmates with minor offenses had been challenging, as most prisoners were incarcerated for serious crimes like murder. He has directed the Commissioner for Health to assess and establish functional primary healthcare centers within correctional facilities to address medical needs.
Dr. Amanze commended Governor Otti’s interventions, including fortified perimeter walls, solar lighting, and new cell blocks at the Aba Correctional Centre, noting these improvements have significantly boosted security and staff morale.
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Disclaimer for CDA News
This article reports on official statements and policy announcements from the Abia State Government regarding correctional facility reforms. The details and plans described represent the government’s stated intentions and ongoing projects. CDA News presents this as developing governance news.
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