The Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has lamented conditions of prisons in the country.
Ahmed described as unacceptable a situation where “hundreds of inmates are crammed into a prison meant for a quarter of that number or where suspects spend years in prison while awaiting trial for offences that attract less severe penalties simply because they cannot afford bail”.
The Governor, who bemoaned the deplorable plight of prisoners in Nigeria while inaugurating the Kwara State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy at Government House, Ilorin, called for reforms of prisons and associated judicial processes as a matter of urgency and necessity.
Ahmed said adequate attention must be given to the fate of children born and raised in prison and the bleak and potentially uncertain future such “unfortunate” circumstance of birth creates for the children and the society.
According to the governor, in order to ensure justice for all and sundry, his administration has decided to inaugurate the eight member Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in line with the administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
“It is noteworthy that the exercise of prerogative of mercy in deserving situations can redress wrongs inflicted on those erroneously condemned or jailed due to legal technicalities,” Ahmed observed.
Ahmed assured the council of a judicious exercise of the state pardon and called on its members to work tirelessly to achieve the set objectives and ensure that deserving inmates are adequately reintegrated into the society.
Earlier, the Council’s chairman and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade, said members are competent and confirmed people of good and reasonable character in the state.
Ajibade said members of the council welcome innovative ideas within their schedule, assuring the governor that the purpose for which the council was established will be met.
Ajibade thanked Ahmed not only for reconstituting the council but also providing the wherewithal for them to operate, with a promise to be dedicated and discharge their duties diligently.
Trending
- FG bans use of foreign syringes, needles in tertiary hospitals
- Contempt: Appeal Court grants EFCC’s exparte motion for stay of proceedings, fixes date for hearing
- Court orders arrest of ex-Naval Chief over N1.5 b ‘fraud’ case
- Oyebanji receives Daily Independent’s Governor of the Year Award
- Police arrest 19-year-old for allegedly robbing female students
- Ganduja: Court bars police from arresting APC Ward Officers
- Police raid criminal hideouts, arrest 40 suspects in Lagos
- Tinubu to commission 3 gas infrastructure projects to boost economy prosperity