Delta State Governor, Francis Oborevwori, has called for the introduction of restorative justice and non-custodial sentences in the judicial system to aid decongestion in the correctional centres across Nigeria.
Oborevwori made the call while inaugurating members of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy at Government House, Asaba, on Friday.
Those inaugurated include Justice Celestina Ogisi (rtd), chairman.
Members are: Prof. Louis Ikechukwu Ojogwu; Alexander Neyin; Dr. Iris Jewo Ibi; Augustine Ezeagwu; Festus Onyeaju while Uju Monye is secretary.
Saying that the call had become imperative following the rising number of persons awaiting trial in custodial centres across the country, Oborevwori added: “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, the total number of inmates in the state’s five custodial centres is 2,371, out of which 1,545 are awaiting trial.
“As part of the continuous efforts of the government to address issues of congestion with awaiting trial inmates, the state government passed the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022.
“The Law is aimed at addressing the several challenges that confronted the administration of criminal justice system over the years.
“The law modernizes and promotes efficiency, fairness, and accountability in the administration of criminal justice system in the state.
“Part of the innovations of the law is to ensure that the issue of restorative justice and non-custodial sentences are encouraged.
“Hence, rather than send all offenders to custodial centres to congest the already filled-up centres, offenders can be made to undergo community service.”
He urged the Advisory Council to devise practical and measurable action plans for the full reintegration of released prisoners into the society.
Justice Ogisi, while responding on behalf the Advisory Council, thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy to serve the state.
He pledged to work with the guidelines regulating the activities of the Council.
Justice Ogisi said the issue of congestion in correctional centres across the state would be adequately examined with a view to exploring the possibilities of decongesting them.
She promised that the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy would partner with relevant agencies of government in the state in the performance of its duties.
Ogisi also appealed to members of the public not to bother the Council with undeserved requests.
The state Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; his deputy, Arthur Akpowowo and Majority Leader of the House, Emeka Nwaobi, were among dignitaries that witnessed the inauguration.
