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.
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.
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