REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
The Assistant Controller General of Correctional Service and Zonal Coordinator for Zone E in charge of Imo and Abia Commands, Dr Ngozi Amanze has called for more assistance from the Abia state government to ensure smooth operation of the centres in the state.
The Assistant Controller General made the call when she led a delegation of the Nigerian Correctional Service to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia state in his Umuehim Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA country home.
Dr. Amanze who applauded Governor Otti’s significant interventions in the Correctional centres in the state appealed for more in the area of education and skill acquisition for the inmates.
While explaining that Correctional centres in Abia and Imo currently hold a combined 3,542 inmates, with Abia housing 1,935 and Imo 1,607, Dr. Amanze noted that congestion remains a major concern across custodial centres in the country.
She commended the Governor for the ongoing construction of cell block pointing out that the completion would improve the capacity of the Aba facility.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti reiterated the state government’s commitment to transforming correctional facilities across the State, stressing that humane living conditions, effective rehabilitation programmes and improved security architecture remained the top priorities for his administration.
The Governor applauded the Assistant Controller General for acknowledging his administration’s ongoing upgrade of correctional centres in the State and promised to do more.
Governor Otti who urged the Service to re-examine the list said his administration remains open to lawful measures that can reduce congestion in the Correctional centers and pledged to engage the Imo State Government for joint action.
