GOVERNOR OKOWA TO COLLABORATE WITH JUDICIARY FOR SPEEDY DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has decried the high number of persons awaiting trials in Nigerian Prisons, promising to work with the Judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of Justice.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Judicial arm of government led by the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umokoro today in Asaba, Senator Okowa decried the large number of inmates awaiting trial in Nigerian prisons and called for speedy completion of cases to decongest the Prisons.

“It is very unfortunate that we have large number of persons awaiting trials in our prisons," The Governor lamented. "I wish to call for speedy trials of cases for them to reduce the number, and we will find a way to see how to work with you (Judiciary) to rehabilitate those released by you during prison visits by engaging and training them through our Job Creation Committee. But it is also important that they will have a new mind-set so as to reintegrate them in to the society.

"Governor Okowa assured that his administration would ensure effective partnership among the three arms of government so as to impact positively on the lives of Deltans.

He commended the Judges for their integrity in the dispensation of justice and charged them to continue to be fair and just in their actions as people look up to them as role models.

Governor Okowa promised them that he would look into their request and provide an enabling environment for them to carry out their functions effectively.

"We are at a very trying period financially in the state and nation but we will look into your request and see how we can accommodate them with available resources," he said.

Earlier, the Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro congratulated Governor Okowa for successful assumption of office, stating that the Judiciary was happy to have him at the helms of affairs in the State.
While disclosing that 2,153 persons were awaiting trials in various Prisons, Justice Umuokoro noted that most of those awaiting trails were between the ages of 17 and 28 years.

He called for synergy on how to rehabilitate and integrate those he would likely release during his planned visit to Prisons. These are inmates, he disclosed, who have spent more years awaiting trial than the number of years they would have been sentenced to if convicted.