Nigerian Senate President Raises Concerns Over Increase in Jailbreaks
During a session at the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighted a concerning trend following the renaming of the Nigerian Prison Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service. According to Akpabio, there has been a notable increase in the number of jailbreaks across the country since the name change.
Akpabio’s remarks came during discussions on two proposed bills aimed at amending existing laws. One bill sought to replace the law establishing the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, while the other aimed to replace the Fire Service Act with the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.
In his intervention, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro questioned the necessity of changing the name of the Fire Service Act, arguing that the fire service already includes a “rescue component” in its duties.
Moro further emphasized the importance of providing skill acquisition opportunities for inmates, stating, “When you are convicted, you are supposed to learn a skill.”
However, he expressed concerns about the surge in jailbreaks since the renaming of the Nigerian Prison Service to the Nigerian Correctional Service. The Senate Minority Leader’s remarks underscored the need for a thorough examination of the factors contributing to the rise in such incidents.
The discussion prompted a broader conversation within the Senate about the effectiveness of the reforms introduced with the establishment of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Members of the Senate deliberated on the implications of the name change and its impact on the management and operation of correctional facilities nationwide.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are expected to assess the challenges facing the Nigerian Correctional Service and explore potential solutions to address the issue of jailbreaks and ensure the safety and security of correctional facilities across the country.
The remarks made by Senate President Akpabio and Senate Minority Leader Moro highlight the importance of ongoing legislative efforts to address critical issues within the criminal justice system and promote effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates.
