x

Reps probe Aregbesola, over misuse of N165 billion for Correctional Service

By Isaac Kertyo

The House of Representatives has ordered an immediate investigation over the usage of over N165 billion budgeted to the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) within the last two years.

Adopting a motion under matters of national importance sponsored by Mr. Ndudi Elumelu at the plenary presided by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, the House explained that the measure was aimed at addressing the appalling state of custodial facilities and general welfare of inmates in the country.

In effect, the House mandated its Committee on Reformatory Institutions to probe into the alleged infraction and turn in its report within twelve weeks for further legislative action.

Elumelu who is the House minority leader claimed that the NCS has not lived up to expectations in spite of the enactment of the Nigeria Correctional Service Act 2019 which prioritized the welfare of its officers and men in line with international best practices.

The Delta-born lawmaker alleged that despite the increase in budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Correctional Service to drive its renewed mandate, the tempo and quality of the Service have remained the same if not retrogressing.

Elumelu said it was worrisome that the working conditions of Staff and inmates’ welfare have deteriorated notwithstanding the over N165Billion budget allocations to the Service in the last two years.

Elumelu specifically claimed that the Arms Squad unit of the Service still parades obsoletes and substandard weapons despite over N1Billion budget provision for Prison Biometrics, Arms and Ammunition in the 2020/2021 Capital budget; thus, impeding its ability to deter, prevent or respond effectively to both internal and external threats.

He added: “The House is aware of deaths of correctional officers and men across the country following attacks either on escort vehicles or custodial facilities; also observed that Staff still buys or makes their uniform till date regardless of the huge budget allocations provided for this purpose, provision of uniform for inmates is nonexistence in most Custodial centers.

“Further observed that in addition to allegations of non-utilization of Budget allocations in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly and administrative incompetence of drivers of change in the rebranded Service, there are also claims of unscrupulous staff promotion, denial of rights and benefits including hazard and duty tour allowances levelled against the management of the Service.

“Concerned that the demoralizing effects of these allegations, given increasing evidences of susceptibility of some officers and men compromising security of custodial facilities, might worsen violations of these facilities and current security challenges in the country.”

The NCoS is headed by Mr Haliru Nababa and supervised by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Neomercantilism: Trump’s New Tariff Regime And American Economic Uncertainties

By Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim,  AbujaMercantilism as the art and...

Seadogs donate sanitary pads to female students in A’Ibom 

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo The National Association of Seadogs, (NAS), also...

N/Delta communities demand urgent action on methane emissions

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo  Representatives of communities affected by oil...

Plateau  commence  enforcement of regulations on vehicles transporting  spillable goods 

By Isreal Adamu, Jos Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency...

Plateau  South  APC group   Passes Vote of Confidence on Speaker Dewan 

By Israel AdamuA group operating under the umbrella body...

Igali Calls for Inclusion of Canoeing, Kokowa at the National Sports Festival

By Amgber KumoBayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr....

N10bn Alleged Loot: EFCC Probes SGF Akume’s PA ,Torhile Uchi

Indications emerged that the personal Assistant to the Secretary...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img