A ministerial nominee, James Eneojo Ocholi has revealed that Nigeria Prisons has about 57,125 inmates while 35,577 were awaiting trial across the federation.
He made this revelation while responding to questions during the screening at the National Assembly in Abuja. He described the number as staggering and unhealthy.
He suggested that Nigerian Prisons need serious reform in terms of rehabilitation of prison inmates, instead of keeping them to become hardened criminals after they might have been left off the hook.
“Distinguished Senators, it is staggering and unhealthy for you to know that as we speak, Nigeria Prisons has about 57,125 inmates out of which were awaiting trial and the sad thing is that some of them would come out more hardened and there is need to reform the system,” he posited.
Ocholi added that there was need for training outfits stationed at Prisons so that while they were being kept, they could undergo training, stating that some who have spent about 14 years and above may have lost enthusiasm of going to school.
“There are few or no training centres for prison inmates and this is very dangerous because if some of those who might have spent 14 and above come out, they may not have enthusiasm to go to school anymore, hence they will no longer be useful to the society,” he averred.
He added that he would recommend the redesign of prison system to the Federal government.
In response to Minority leaders question on frivolous petition against political office holders that has become a trend in Nigeria, Ocholi explained that Nigeria was yet to develop its systems of laws despite the fact that there were enough of them.
According to him, “In Britain, before you write a petition against another person, you have to swear an affidavit and if it was found to be false, after investigation, you will pay compensation,” he maintained.
Ocholi also submitted that there were available remedies that bother on tortuous liability for frivolous petitions especially when it was published in a newspaper or any form of publication.
He condemned personalisation of government offices by some people, noting that government offices were hold in trust on behalf of the people.
He commended President Buhari for his commitment to recruiting men and women of seasoned character to form his cabinet. He noted that Mr President’s act was a proof that he has raised a bar on the calibre of people that would drive a change mantra.
“I want to commend Mr. President on the need to recruit formidable and knowledgeable men of integrity and this shows that he has raised the bar regarding those that get involved in driving change agenda,” he maintained.
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