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“This move is not only enviable but significant in that it shows that if truly the country intends to be safe and sane, it requires a leadership that listens, sees, understands and cares. The Edo state government under the leadership of Obaseki, on the back of the move to build a state-of-the-art correctional centre, has proven that it is preeminently concerned about the safety of the people and the sanity of the society. It has demonstrated it is a government who is not aloof from the happenings within its boundaries, and will not fold its hands and watch the state disintegrate into ruins when it has the resources within its disposals to see to it that the right infrastructures are put in place to give all and sundry a better life and better service that makes for a functioning state. Where others would rather look away and manage pitiably and futilely what they have despite the wherewithal to improve things, the Edo government has taken the bull by the horn to ensure that an important facility that seeks to house warped minds in the society and rehabilitate them for reintegration into the society is well-equipped and well-structured to see it carry out such pertinent function without fail or excuses. In the coming years, no doubt, from the move being made, the security aspect of the state would experience a significant shift for the chances of it recycling criminals like some ‘politically unwilling’ states are would be drastically depleted. Edo will become the envy of states for it has committed to vital proactive security measures to pre-empt security calamities from befalling the state. “
There is a popular maxim that if you truly want to find out how much a country regard its citizens, you should pay a visit to their prisons and correctional centres. From the happenings in such facilities, you have a sneak-peek into the conditions of the lives of the people, at large.
For some time, the country has been abject in respect to the state of our prisons and correctional centres. Inmates are subjected to the most inhumane treatment in prisons, while our correctional centres are no less a glorified prison. For years on end, we have had to pretend as though this is no much of a bedlam that needs to be addressed in the expectation of seeing the society safer and saner of criminals. But the more we pretend, the worse the situation gets, and by and large, the more the society becomes unsafe.
However, it seems finally the advocacy for a functioning and standard correctional centre has found a listening ear to fall on, such that decisive actions are now be seen to be taken on it for the good of the inmates, the better of the society.
This is as much credit to the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki who recently announced that the state government has allocated 100 hectares of land in the state for the development of a state-run correctional facility.
Announcing the land allocation, he said, “The Constitutional amendment has paved the way to end the menace of congested correctional facilities and endless wait for trials.
“I urge the new Chief Judge to take advantage of the development and provide leadership in resolving this challenge of prison congestion which has become a national embarrassment and crisis. We would like you to provide direction for us in the development of correctional facilities in Edo State.
“I have allocated 100 hectares of land in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State for a new State Correctional facility as the design is ready but we can’t proceed to award the contract to build without seeking clarification, assistance and support from you.
“We believed that the correctional facility will set the template and example of what State Correctional facilities should look like when it’s completed under your tenure. I urge you to fast track the setting up of mobile courts to visit correctional centers and conduct institute trials to decongest the correctional facilities and provide justice for those awaiting trials for years.”
He added, “The Judicial system in Edo State has benefited from years of serious spirited and sincere efforts to improve the processes of justice administration, ensuring the prerequisites infrastructure and manpower are available to facilitate timely delivery of Justice to all.”
This move is not only enviable but significant in that it shows that if truly the country intends to be safe and sane, it requires a leadership that listens, sees, understands and cares. The Edo state government under the leadership of Obaseki, on the back of the move to build a state-of-the-art correctional centre, has proven that it is preeminently concerned about the safety of the people and the sanity of the society. It has demonstrated it is a government who is not aloof from the happenings within its boundaries, and will not fold its hands and watch the state disintegrate into ruins when it has the resources within its disposals to see to it that the right infrastructures are put in place to give all and sundry a better life and better service that makes for a functioning state. Where others would rather look away and manage pitiably and futilely what they have despite the wherewithal to improve things, the Edo government has taken the bull by the horn to ensure that an important facility that seeks to house warped minds in the society and rehabilitate them for reintegration into the society is well-equipped and well-structured to see it carry out such pertinent function without fail or excuses. In the coming years, no doubt, from the move being made, the security aspect of the state would experience a significant shift for the chances of it recycling criminals like some ‘politically unwilling’ states are would be drastically depleted. Edo will become the envy of states for it has committed to vital proactive security measures to pre-empt security calamities from befalling the state.
It is my hope that such enviable move from the government of Edo state will be emulated by other states who have been negligent of their correctional centres to the point that they start prioritizing these facilities and quit seeing it less of a security problem to the material ones that get to make the news. Congestion, poor infrastructure, scanty manpower, lack of logistical resources and inadequate funding are some of the challenges facing most correctional centres in Nigeria that have gone ahead to undermine the efficacy of the criminal justice system in the country.
We can’t keep channeling all our attention to the mainstream, keen on apprehending the criminals therein only to bring them to a congested correctional centre where instead of these criminals getting rehabilitated, they get degenerated because our priorities are misplaced as we suffer from security myopia and we are less concerned about investing into our criminal justice system for advancement. It’s time for healing, and Edo state has shown that such isn’t far-fetched.
Deuteronomy 6:18, NIV Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors.
Professor. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.
He is an advocate of Peace Leadership and Child Protection.
He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.
A professor of Peace Advocacy and Conflict Resolution, Dr. O.E Bassey is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.
With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa. Currently, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute of Peace Leadership.
Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2023 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For peace and security tips, consultations and trainings, reach him via:
Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey
LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey
Twitter: Dr. O.E Bassey
WhatsApp: +2347065828892
Mail: EmmanuelBassey@gmail.com
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