By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaette Obot has called for relocation of the centre to a more conducive place for better management of inmates.
Obot said this in her closing remarks at maximum correctional centre in Uyo weekend after a-three day facility tour of correctional centres in the state.
The Chief Judge during her visit reviewed the case files of inmates and at the end of the exercise in Uyo correctional centre pardoned 33 inmates.
Obot during the visit, donated drugs, toiletries and mattresses worth thousands of naira to the correctional centre to help cater for the inmates and sanitation of the custodial centre.
“I have seen that the facility is in a very need condition and I know it has been deteriorated by reason of used.
“I pray by God grace that God will touch those in authority, who have the resources to help you out here ro renovate this structures or better still relocate to a better location for better management of the inmates.” She said.
The CJ had earlier pardoned four inmates in Ikot Abasi, six in Eket and 14 in Ikot Ekpene correctional centres in her previous visit two days ago.
Obot, who expressed displeasure with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over no case file, urged him to put more effort and direct his subordinates to sit up and do things properly.
She called on the police authorities to be diligent in prosecutions of suspects and respect citizens human rights.
“I thank you the DPP, although the Ministry perform so badly here in Uyo, but I was impressed in our outings in Ikot Abasi and Eket.
“So, I don’t condemned them totally. I think you take things for granted a little bit and you think your subordinates are doing what they ought to do.
“You must keep a very safe eye on them and make sure things move properly,” she said.
The CJ commended all judges, magistrates, law officers, Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom Command and all his officers, the Officer Incharge, Legal, Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom Command for their support throughout the three days visit.
In his remarks, the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa ibom Command, Mr Julius Ezuqwu, thanked the chief judge for her resilient and motherly disposition in handling the cases.
Ezugwu said that the visit by the chief judge has brought relief and succour to the inmates, who are always happy seeing her.
He expressed gratitude to Obot for the drugs, toiletries and mattresses donated to the correctional centres and inmate.
