Okowa Decries High Number Of Awaiting Trial Inmates

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has decried the high number of persons awaiting trial in Nigerian Prisons, promising to work with the judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of justice. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Judicial arm of government led by the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro yesterday in Asaba, Senator Okowa decried the large number of inmates awaiting trial in Nigerian prisons and called for speedy completion of cases to decongest the Prisons.
“It is very unfortunate that we have a large number of persons awaiting trials in our prisons, I wish to call for speedy trials of cases for them to reduce the number, we will find a way to see how to work with you (Judiciary) to rehabilitate those released by you during prison visits by engaging and training them through our Job Creation Committee, but it is also important that they will have a new mind-set so as to reintegrate them into the society”, the Governor said.
Governor Okowa assured that his administration would ensure effective partnership among the three arms of government so as to impact positively on the lives of Deltans and restore the people’s confidence in government. He commended the Judges for their integrity in the dispensation of justice and charged them to continue to be fair and just in their actions as people lookup to them as role model.
The Governor promised them that he would look into their request and provide an enabling environment for them to carry out their functions effectively.
“We are at a very trying period financially in the state and nation but we will look into your request and see how we can accommodate them with available resources”, Senator Okowa said. Earlier, the Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro congratulated Governor Okowa for successful assumption of office stating that the Judiciary was happy to have him at the helms of affair in the state.
While disclosing that 2,153 persons were awaiting trials in various Prisons, Justice Umuokoro noted that most of those awaiting trails were between the age of 17 and 28 years.