Fayose Urges FG On Prisons Upgrade
Federal Government has been advised on the need to upgrade facilities in all prisons across the country.
The Ekiti state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose made the call during his visit to the Federal Prisons in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Fayose who visited to access and also pardon some of the inmates housed by the facility decried state of prison in Nigeria
He, however could not effect the release of some of the inmates based on the advice of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji
Daramola, who said due process, must be followed before such action can be taken.
Some wives of the inmates, especially those whose husbands were in prison for crimes of political violence, knelt down and appealed to Governor Fayose to release them.
But the governor explained to them that his hands were tied because he had to follow due process and that he would have loved to release all inmates.
He said: “We would pardon some inmates but we have to follow due process. We must have the facts and figures before vetoing their release. We have come to see the facilities in the prison and see how we can help. We have seen the facilities here and we are not happy.
According to the governor, the buildings here houses almost 200 people but whatever their offences they are still entitled to good condition of living.
“We therefore appeal to the Federal Government to upgrade the facilities available for prison inmates in Ekiti state here”
“The walls surrounding the prison are vulnerable, that was why we experienced the last time prison break, but that would not happen again”
As a government, we will support the prison with an additional building, a borehole, health facilities and toilet facilities.
We appeal to the FG to live up to their responsibilities, I also appeal to the prison inmates, you must be of good conduct so that you can get pardon and make sure that you repent truly.
