A stakeholders on judicial reform exercise in Sokoto state, have urged judges to consider other options of punishing convicts not imprisonments at all times.
The call was part of the resolutions read by Mr Rabi’u Gandi, the representative of civil society organisations at the end of a stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday in Sokoto.
The Newsmen reports that the event was tagged ” Understanding the National Security Strategies, Providing Space for Non State Actors” organized by CLEEN Foundation, an NGO.
He said based on the deliberations by different stakeholders, there is need for judges at all levels to be utilizing the sentencing options such as community services and other punishments not jail terms always.
He explained that higher percentage of sentences to imprisonments have subjected correctional facilities to be overcrowded, stressing that utilizing options would reduce congestions.
Gandi also advised judiciary and legislative arms to facilitate the constitution of parole processes in order to enhance the system.
He underscored the importance of the parole system in Nigeria which would reduce pressure on custodial facilities, frequent jail breaks, and grievances among inmates.
According to him, the representatives of law enforcement agencies at the gathering have made different inputs and suggestions on best ways to enhance their services as well as challenges they faced in the country.
While he commended CLEEN Foundation for the efforts, Gandi noted that compilations would be made and forwarded same to higher authorities for reviews and implementations accordingly.
Speaking also, the Foundation Programme Officer, Mr Ebere Mbaegbu, the exercise was part of citizens engagement with state and non state actors on police and judicial reforms, criminal admnistration of justice, transparency and accountability.
Mbaegbu noted that implementation of the parole system as a window to prison decongestion and convicts’ rehabilitation strategies.
He stressed that the administration of justice was the cornerstone of any society that upholds the rule of law adding that collective efforts were pivotal in ensuring that this cornerstone remains robust and effective.
” Parole is a critical component of our justice system, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into the society as law-abiding citizens.
” It reflects a balance between punitive measures and the need for rehabilitation, recognising that the potential for reform and positive change exists within every individual, ” he said.
A cross-section of participants expressed gratitude to the organisers noting that the event provides an invaluable platform for them to engage in critical discussions.
Participants shared insights, and evaluate the current state of our legal framework on parole and its broader implication on criminal justice administration in Nigeria.
Newsmen reports that participants comprised members of CSOs, police, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), public prosecutors, lawyer and others.
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