An NGO, CLEEN Foundation has engaged stakeholders in the administration of justice for implementation of parole system as a window to prison decongestion and convicts rehabilitation strategies.
Speaking at a two-day workshop on Thursday, the Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, Mr Peter Gad, said the workshop was convened for stakeholders’ to discuss on the need to depoliticise the parole process.
Gad, represented by Mr Olaniyi Olumayowa, said Foundation was supported by MacArthur foundation on the drive describing it as landmark efforts to bring out laws that treat parole system.
He said the efforts was also to drive the processes and standardise the criteria for selection of inmates.
He said the administration of justice was the cornerstone of any society that upholds the rule of law stressing that collective efforts are pivotal in ensuring that this cornerstone remains robust and effective.
” This workshop provides an invaluable platform for us to engage in critical discussions, share insights, and evaluate the current state of our legal framework on parole and its broader implication on criminal justice administration in Nigeria.
” 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.
He explained that in order parole system to achieve its intended outcomes, it must be underpinned by a sound legal framework and effective administration.
In her contribution, Mrs Safiyya Ahmad, a legal practitioner, said the parole system is a new phenomenon under the Nigerian justice system, even as it is being introduced into some institutions.
Ahmad, representative of Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said stakeholders are still learning on how to exploit its benefits, through the available laws and established committees.
” Parole has roots in nation’s constitution and Islamic laws, in recognition that Sokoto is dominated by Muslim faithfuls.
” Islamic laws prioritizes rehabilitations, remolding of characters and pardons for goodness in order to stop vices, ” Ahmad said.
The sokoto state Coordinator of Legal Aid Council, Mr Aklehel Shattima, underscored the importance of parole system in the criminal administration of justice which was constitutionally recognized in the country.
Shattima said Parole Act as introduced in 2015 was one of the ways to reduce prison congestion, strategies princesses and improve on the country’s criminal justice system.
He described the workshop as good strategy to ensure synergy and understanding on the effective ways to implement parole system in the judicial system.
Newsmen reports participants ensured the appraisals on the legal framework of the parole system, it’s challenges and criminal justice laws in Nigeria.
The workshop participants comprised members FIDA, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and the media.
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