Rivers CJ Pardons 24 Inmates Of PH Correctional Centre

The Rivers State Chief Judge , Justice Simeon Chubuizor Amadi, has granted pardon to 24 awaiting trial inmates at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
Speaking at a special gaol delivery exercise, last Friday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correction Centre, Justice Amadi said that the special gaol delivery exercise was part of activities designed by the state judiciary to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
He explained that the exercise was in compliance with the provisions of the Criminal Justice Release From Custody Special Provision Act, Cap 40 laws of Federation of Nigeria 2024 and section 34 sub section 1 of the Rivers State Administration and Criminal Justice Law of No.7 of 2015 to conduct gaol delivered exercise in Port Harcourt correctional centre.
The state chief judge recalled that on November 2, 2023, the same exercised was conducted where 55 inmates were released from custody, adding that the gaol delivery exercise has a special place in the justice administration system.
Justice Amadi stated that the exercise underscores the commitment of his administration and the state judiciary at large in ensuring that justice is rightly served and to ensure that the correctional centre is not overcrowded.
According to him, the state judiciary under his watch is dedicated to ensuring that every individual irrespective of their status has right to interface in the society as law abiding citizen.
“Today we have the chance to offer compassion dignity and extend the hand of hope to those who have erred in the past that they deserve to have a change for the features.
“Our correctional center should not be warehouses for breeding ground criminal. Rather it should be an institutions for transformations where individuals can be and reflect on their actions and learn from their past mistakes and receive the necessary tools and support for a better living.
“With the collaboration among stakeholders involved in the criminal justice administration, the judiciary, the Correction Services, law enforcement agencies, legal aids organisations and community leaders must work hand in hand to ensure justice prevail and that they should create a safe and equitable service delivery as they embark on this gaol delivery exercise”, he stated.
The chief judge disclosed that the names of the freed inmates were compiled by a joint committee where all the stakeholders were represented.
Justice Amadi advised the freed inmates to be of good behaviour as they unite with their family and friends and avoid any act and misbehaviour that may bring them back to the custody, adding that they may not be lucky the second time.
“Change your behavior and do not go back to the behavior that will bring you back to the Correctional center again”, he admonished.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Controller of the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, Mr Felix Lawrence, thanked the Chief Judge for taking his time to visit the Centre, saying the gaol delivery exercise is essential in decongesting prisons.

By: Akujobi Amadi & Kiadum Edookor