Rivers CJ pardons 24 awaiting trial inmates

THE Chief Judge ( CJ) of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor- Amadi has granted pardon to 24 inmates who have been in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre between seven to 15 years. The CJ, who performed the task in the presence of representatives of the State Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Bar Association ( NBA), and the International Federation of Female Lawyers among other human rights groups, noted that he is empowered by law to conduct such exercise as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state.

Justice Chibuzor- Amadi said correctional facilities are not supposed to be a warehouse for the abandoned but an institution for transformation. He stated that goal delivery exercise underscores the dedication of the court to the rights of inmates to be integrated into the society as lawabiding citizens, adding that lack of proper process in trialing inmates and the activities of the police contribute in keeping inmates in the correctional centre unduly.

The CJ called on stakeholders to ensure collaboration in justice delivery, saying that the goal delivery exercise cannot take away the principles of justice system, which are dignity, fairness and equity. He, however, advised the released inmates to become better people in the society as they reunite with members of their families and society. Earlier, the state comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Felix Lawrence, commended the state judiciary for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.