Since the unfortunate incidence of the corona virus pandemic, it is gladdening to note that the Federal government has not relented in her efforts to curtail the spread of the virus. This is indeed worthy of commendation.
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It is in the light of the above that Mr. President on the 22nd day of April 2020 directed the Chief Justice of the federation, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed to request the Chief Judges of the various states to visit correctional centers within their jurisdiction to identify and release deserving inmates so as to decongest and prevent the spread of the virus among inmates.
This is probably in line with the United Nation’s recommendation for prison decongestion for the purpose of enforcing social distancing which can not be obtained in overcrowded custodial/correctional habitations.
This action by the Federal government will no doubt go a long way to preventing the spread among inmates.
When a country looks inwards to solve the problems of her citizenry, that country is indeed matching towards greatness.
My prayer is that the Federal and state governments should in the same vein put palliative measures in place to help the inmates who are about to be released to cushion the economic realities that would inevitably stare them in the face outside the walls of the prison.
The released inmates shall surely be faced with new challenges due to the lockdown in the country. Therefore their welfare should be of paramount consideration by government.
This is because failure to do so will turn the inmates to become threats to their various environment and the society at large.
Under normal circumstances, these people after their release should be able to restart their lives but would now be facing challenges in view of the present realities.
For the good intention of Mr. President to be meaningful and helpful to the inmates, their families and the nation in general,
It is my humble opinion that the federal and the state government should give them a head start and provide the necessary support system to enable them surmount the difficulties they may now encounter in the society.
If their welfare is not taken into consideration I’m afraid government will be leaving loopholes that will tarnish her good works and thus, the kind intentions of Mr. President will be jeopardized.
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