To decongest prisons nationwide, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday canvassed the decentralisation of the nation’s prisons system.

Mr. Akeredolu gave the advice during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller of Prisons in the state, Suanu Kelani, to the Governor’s Office in Akure.

He said state governments in other parts of the world also build and maintain prison structures other than that of the federal government.

“There are state and federal prisons, so why don’t we decentralise it? There is nothing wrong with the state government building the structures.

“It won’t continue to work this way with only the Federal Government building and managing prisons.

“No wonder some prisons are closing down; the point is not congestion, the problem is expansion and as long as we leave it as a federal concern, it will always be a problem,’’ the governor said.

He said federal prison facilities were being used for so many years without maintenance, adding that crime rate was also on the increase.

Mr. Akeredolu assured the prison service of assistance in the provision of ambulance and finding solution to the numerous persons awaiting trial.

Earlier, Mr. Kelani had pledged the command’s cooperation with the state government in criminal justice administration as well as security.

“The command remains accessible to you, particularly in the area of agriculture and entrepreneurship.

“We are willing to supply a reasonable level of manpower from the pool of our convicted males who have few months to discharge.

“This will undoubtedly reduce costs in terms of overhead and on the other hand, symbiotically expose the inmates to new farming techniques and boost their earning scheme policy.

“It will also assist in their reintegration and entrepreneurial component,” Mr. Kelani said.

He, however, listed the challenges confronting the command to include lack of suitable office accommodation as well as vehicles.

“It is on record that Ondo State Command maintains five prisons with a high number of persons awaiting trial.

“Most times, court duties become difficult due to lack of operational vehicles and ambulances when inmates are sick and require being taken to hospitals outside the premises.

“Also, drugs and other medications for the treatment of inmates and staff when infirm and the re-establishment of the survey plan for Owo Prison pose a serious challenge to the command,” Mr. Kelani said.

(NAN)

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/230995-governor-calls-decentralisation-prisons.html

It would be a progressive step in reducing federal governments self inflicted burden. States handling prison services wouldnt matter to me. Just treat prisoner reasonable and maintain facilities. It's prison not day care.

I also noticed he said crime rate is going up. I wonder what sort. The issue with ambulances, operational vehicles, drugs and medicine are operational issues. Maybe they are underfunded. How many regular civilizations can count on ambulance?

Solutions besides building more jails adding to states cost. Remember everything on discretion of judge and case by case.

● offer non violent inmates parole on certain conditions. (Easiest thing they could do)
● Give probation instead so people can avoid jail.
● ease so bail conditions. Alot of these guys are sitting in trial waiting for case. If they aren't flight risk or danger to public grant bail.

lenghtinny:
Why is this man so concerned about the prison sef...

The prisons are better off in the hands of federal government than states just like the police force...

The governors wey no ready to sign death warrant, Shey na hin go get time to concentrate on prison when he never deliver the electoral promises he made to the free people that voted for him

What?