Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – Frank Okonkwo, the big man wey dey control Nigerian Correctional Service for dis side, don call for beta support from lawmakers and executive bodies make dem help implement non-custodial measures for the state. This one no be say dem wan just free people waka anyhow o, but to make sure say dem fit manage those wey small offense no fit land dem for prison. Na wetin he talk for one workshop wey dem organize on Friday.
Dis workshop, na collaboration of NCS, Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, and Ministry of Justice. Okonkwo point say, according to the NCoS Act wey land in 2019, dem suppose dey use non-custodial measures for people wey commit minor and non-violent offenses. You sabi dem kind things like Community Service, Probation, Parole, and all those fine, fine measures wey no need to put person for prison.
Na him talk say, Akwa Ibom command don ready to take charge and ensure dis thing dey work well, but e go need strong partnership with judiciary, police, National Orientation Agency, and NGOs. E add say, make we no blame am, as many people believe say these measures dey soft, but dem no be small wahala. Dem sabi say e fit save money and help rehabilitate offenders well.
“We want make communities for Akwa Ibom support this new change because when dem accept am, everybody go dey safe. E go also reduce the overcrowding wey dey happen for prisons,” Okonkwo yarn. He believe say Correctional Service don turn from just dey keep people for cell to becoming agents wey fit change behavior and help society grow.
Okonkwo no forget to thank Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Hon Justice Ekaete Obot, for the good environment wey dem provide for the event. E also show appreciation for the Attorney General and Amitec Construction Company wey help the workshop succeed.
Justice Ekaete Obot self talk say judiciary get big role to play when e reach non-custodial measures. E send was that the judiciary go initiate training programs for everybody wey dey work inside law, so dem fit sabi how to handle these options well.
Na so e be, my padi! Akwa Ibom dey go forward, and we hope say other states go follow suit. If dem fit change the game like this, who know wetin fit happen next? E fit even sweet pass palm wine, no be so?
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