Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitate and improve the Aba and Umuahia Correctional Centers.
Speaking on Saturday, when he received in audience, the members of the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Reformatory Institutions
led by the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Chinedu Ogah in his office, Governor Otti disclosed that plans for the renovation of the correctional facilities have been underway, with the designs already submitted and undergoing verification.
He stressed the need for humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of detainees and further vowed to recover land encroached upon at Aba correctional facility.
“We want to ensure that the correctional centers are worthy of their name as places where people are corrected, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor further highlighted that upon assumption of office in 2023, his government conducted a thorough review of all correctional facilities in the State to identify individuals who were unjustly detained.
In his words, the exercise led to the release of numerous individuals, particularly those imprisoned for political reasons or minor offenses.
While stating that his administration remains committed to decongesting correctional centres, ensuring that minor offenders are given fair opportunities to reintegrate back into society, the Governor praised the intervention of the First Lady in securing a temporary release for a heavily pregnant woman involved in the pension fraud case.
Governor Otti who disclosed that she has delivered her baby safely informed the Reformatory Committee that he had since instructed the Attorney General to advocate 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,” Gov. Otti stated.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Hon. Chinedu Ogah commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and contributions towards improving correctional facilities within the state.
Hon. Ogah said that they were in Abia State as part of the committee’s oversight functions and 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 highlighted the significance of Governor Otti’s initiatives, noting that Abia is the only State in the Southeast with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Center located in Uzuakoli.
