Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has restated his administrations commitment to rehabilitating and improving Correctional Centers in the State to ensure humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of detainees.
Governor Otti stated this, on Saturday, when members of the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Reformatory Institutions visited him at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Governor who emphasized his administration’s efforts to improve the living conditions of correctional facilities, said that they should not be “dungeons where people become hardened criminals” but rather a correctional system that truly reforms inmates.
“We want to ensure that the correctional centers live up to their names, places where people are corrected, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society.
“We will work with the Correctional Services to decongest the centers and ensure that those held for minor offenses are released, rehabilitated, and given a secondchance”, Governor Otti stated.
The Governor reiterated that his administration is dedicated to decongesting correctional centers and expressed concerns over alleged encroachment on Aba’s correctional facility land, vowing to recover it to enhance the center’s functionality.
He revealed that the present Government is balancing justice with rehabilitation, noting that upon assuming office in 2023, his administration conducted a thorough review of correctional facilities in the State tate, which led to the release of numerous individuals, particularly those unjustly detained for political reasons or minor offenses.
“We made sure that everyone who was illegally detained was released. This 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”, he said.
Governor Otti also cited a recent case in which the First Lady intervened to secure the temporary release of a heavily pregnant woman involved in a pension fraud case.
The Governor noted that following her release, she was taken to a hospital where she safely delivered her baby, adding that he had since instructed the Attorney General to advocate for a variation of her bail conditions to facilitate her legal release.
“We must be compassionate and firm. While serious offenders must be kept from endangering society, minor offenders who have been corrected deserve a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration,” he noted
Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Abia, inspired by the legacies of visionary leaders such as M.I. Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, Jaja Wachuku, Akanu Ibiam, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He pledged to continue working towards a just and functional correctional system and commended the House Committee members for their dedication to oversight functions despite limited resources.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah
praised Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and contributions toward improving correctional facilities in the State.
Hon. Ogah, who led the delegation to Abia State as part of the committee’s oversight functions, praised the Governor’s efforts in enhancing security and boosting artisanship, particularly in Aba, where local products are now proudly labeled “Made in Abia”.
He noted that Abia is the only State in the Southeast with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Center in Uzuakoli and acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in providing water supply, solar street lights, and other reinforcements at the correctional facilities.
Ogah also highlighted the amendment of Section 48 of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which moved Correctional Services from the exclusive list to the concurrent list, allowing State Governors to construct, maintain, and improve correctional centers.
The Committee Chairman urged Governor Otti to intervene in repairing the deplorable road leading to the Uzuakoli Correctional Center.
“Abia State has made commendable progress under your leadership, Your Excellency.
“However, we urge you to address the road leading to the Uzuakoli Correctional Center. With your proven track record, we believe you will take action”, Ogah said.
He also raised concerns about prolonged detentions, where many inmates have spent years without court appearances or the ability to meet bail conditions.
Hon Ogah urged the Governor to establish a committee to oversee non-custodial sentences to ensure effective rehabilitation and reintegration
“Correctional centers are key to national security. If inmates are not properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, they risk becoming greater threats to the State and the Nation”, he added.
The Committee Chairman, commended Governor Otti’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for investments, particularly in the establishment of shoe and garment factories within correctional centers.
Hon Ogah emphasized the need for collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to ensure correctional facilities serve their intended purpose.
He also revealed that Committee members contributed personal funds to facilitate the oversight visit, which he said demonstrates their commitment to the assignment despite limited resources.
