From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has said that congestion of custodial centers across the country, is an “afront” on human rights.
The chairman, House of Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Chinedu Ogah, stated this, in Abuja, at an investigative hearing organised by the committee.
Ogah, who also identified congestion at the custodial centers, as a drawback to justice delivery in country, expressed concerns over incessant breaches at correctional facilities in different parts of the country.
The lawmaker stated proffering solutions to the issues in the correctional system requires the collaboration of all the three arms of government. He added that the House under the leadership of the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, is committed to ensuring an efficient justice delivery system.
According to him, “you will agree with me that congestion of Custodial facilities across the country is an affront to human rights and a major drawback of our criminal justice system with very dire consequences. Incessant violations of Correctional centres and inmates escape are extremely embarrassing and a security threat to the nation.
“Permit me to say that proffering lasting solution to these issues is a collective responsibility of both the Arms and the Tiers of Government.
” I wish to assure you that the Committee with the strongest support of the Leadership of the House, led by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (PhD) is poised to engage all legislative tools at its disposal to ensure effective and efficient criminal justice system second to none in the world.”