The 36 state governors will soon be having another date in the Supreme Court, if the threat by the National Assembly is anything to be taken serious.
News making the rounds reveals that the National Assembly may drag the governors before the Supreme Court to compel them to take responsibility of correctional facilities in their domain.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah Thursday July 17 2024 lamented that the governors have refused to take responsibility over the correctional facilities after it was placed on the concurrent list in the constitution.
Speaking at an event to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC ) at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Ogah said that there is an urgent need for the governors to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities in supporting correctional services, stating that the National Assembly would stopped at nothing to ensure that this was done.
He revealed that presently lawyers have been consulted to sue governors who have refused to act according to the constitution to build and maintain correctional facilities.
He said: “Governors must act in accordance with the constitution to build and maintain correctional facilities.”
Chinedu Ogah, who is representing Ikwa/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, noted that the state of many correctional facilities in the country is an eyesore, noted that there is also the need for increased staffing in correctional facilities, lamenting that many of the facilities are severely understaffed.
He also complained about the congestion of correctional facilities in the country, stating that “a facility designed for 500 inmates is currently housing over 2,000, with inadequate staff to manage them.”
The lawmaker also called for increase in daily feeding allowance of N750 per inmate, lamenting that after the deductions what they actually left with is N560.
He called for urgent approval of N2,500 daily feeding allowance to inmate as being proposed by the National Assembly.
Ogar also advocated for increased private sector participation in agricultural projects within correctional facilities. He said this would provide inmates with valuable skills and reduce recidivism.
He said: “We have thousands of hectares of land that can be utilized for mechanized farming, benefiting both inmates and the broader economy.”
In his message on the day, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres said Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
Guterres, whose speech was delivered by the Peace and Development Advisor, Office of UN Resident Coordinator, UN Nigeria, Dr. Kim Toogood, said: “And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands, Our world is unequal and divided. Hunger and poverty are rife.”
He lamented that: “The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
“These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
“We can choose to eradicate poverty. We can choose to end inequality. We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity. We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity. Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
“I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
“Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.”
On her part, Head – Justice, Integrity and Health Unit at UNODC, Muchaneta Mundopa said: “UNODC is the custodian of the Rules, making the Nelson Mandela International Day important for us. This year, the UNODC is calling for the universal, practical application of the Rules via the #PrisonersMatter campaign. Prisoners matter because their treatment affects us all: our safety, public health, community resources, and the social cohesion of our societies. But fundamentally, prisoners matter because they are people. Prisoners’ Rights are Human rights.
“In line with the global theme of Nelson Mandela Day 2024, “Ending Poverty and Inequality,” today, I would also like to encourage stakeholders to broaden the scope of criminal change and related disruptions on prison and offender management, poverty, inequality, and sustainable peace.”
The Controller General of Corrections. Haliru Nababa, said: “Mandela believed in restorative justice – a system that focuses on repairing harm caused by crime rather than mere punishment. The Service explores restorative justice practices, emphasizing dialogue, victim-offender mediation, and reconciliation.
“I recognize the critical role that prisons play in our society. It is our duty to ensure that inmates are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. Rehabilitation, education, and vocational training are essential components of our mission.
Let us use this day to reflect on Mandela’s vision and recommit ourselves to creating a prison system that promotes rehabilitation, reconciliation, and positive change. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world.”
