In a significant move towards justice reform, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has orchestrated the release of 43 inmates serving various jail terms in Plateau State. This transformative initiative, announced by the Plateau Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aiming to uplift the lives of indigent Nigerians through impactful interventions.
Addressing overcrowding and renewing hope
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Plateau Command, ASC Godfrey Longdiem, conveyed the Minister of Interior’s commitment to decongesting prisons across the nation through this benevolent act. In a statement issued on Monday in Jos, Longdiem highlighted that the Federal Government’s gesture involves securing the release of inmates by settling fines and compensations, addressing both the humanitarian and justice aspects of incarceration.
“This exercise is in line with and in fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of touching and making the lives of indigent Nigerians better via various initiatives and intervention programs,” stated Longdiem.
Controller general acknowledges FG’s intervention
The Controller General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa, represented by the Controller in Plateau, Jimoh Ibinuhi, oversaw the commendable initiative. Expressing gratitude for the federal government’s intervention, Nababa recognized the Minister of Interior’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of inmates. The Controller General emphasized the importance of the effort to alleviate prison congestion while offering words of advice to the freed inmates.
Empowering lives beyond incarceration
While ensuring the beneficiaries received ₦10,000 each as transport fare to their respective destinations, the Controller General encouraged the freed individuals to embrace a law-abiding lifestyle, shunning criminal activities. Additionally, he urged them to leverage the skills and reformatory activities acquired during their time in incarceration for positive purposes in society.
This transformative move not only signifies a departure from traditional punitive measures but underscores a commitment to rehabilitation and societal reintegration. As the Federal Government actively pursues justice reform, the release of these 43 inmates serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating a concerted effort to create a more just and compassionate legal system.
