ASABA/Nigeria: In a bid to alleviate the congestion in correctional centers across Nigeria, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, called for the introduction of restorative justice and non-custodial sentences into the country’s judicial system. The governor made this plea during the inauguration of the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy at Government House in Asaba.
The newly appointed members of the Advisory Council include Hon. Justice Celestina Ogisi (Rtd) as Chairman, Prof. Louis Ikechukwu Ojogwu, Alexander Neyin, Dr. Iris Jewo Ibi, Augustine Ezeagwu Esq., Festus Onyeaju as Members, and Mrs. Uju Monye as Secretary.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the urgency of this call due to the increasing number of individuals awaiting trial in custodial centers throughout the country. He stated, “the Prerogative of Mercy, sometimes called clemency or state pardon or amnesty, is a useful tool in the administration of criminal justice because it helps to decongest our prisons.”
Currently, Delta State’s five custodial centers house a total of 2,371 inmates, with 1,545 of them awaiting trial. To address the issue of congestion, the State Government recently passed the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022, aimed at modernizing and improving the efficiency, fairness, and accountability of the criminal justice system in the state.
The governor highlighted the importance of restorative justice and non-custodial sentences as key components of the law. Instead of overcrowding already packed correctional centers, offenders can be assigned community service as an alternative punishment.
Governor Oborevwori urged the Advisory Council to develop practical and measurable action plans to ensure the successful reintegration of released prisoners into society. In response, Justice Celestina Ogisi (Rtd.), Chairman of the Advisory Council, expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for entrusting them with this responsibility. She assured the governor that the issue of prison congestion would be thoroughly examined, and efforts would be made to explore strategies for decongestion.
Justice Ogisi also pledged the council’s collaboration with relevant government agencies in the state to effectively carry out its duties. She appealed to the public not to inundate the council with unwarranted requests.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Diai, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, and Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi.
