Anambra Justice Reform Team Advocates Establishment Of Human Rights Desk In Correctional Facilities

The Chairman, Technical Committee of Anambra State Justice Sector Reform Team, Justice Peter Obiorah, says it is naivety for people not to be sensitive in the times they are in.

Justice Obiorah stated this when his team paid a familiarization visit to the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Services, Anambra State Command, Mr Patrick Chukwuemeka, in Awka.

Queen Anigbogu reports that during the visit, Justice Obiorah said people who are standing trial need mercy, not to bend the rules, but for speedy justice delivery, adding that for inmates not to be taken to court for a long period of time has grave implications.

While calling for a functional Human Rights Desk to be established in the Correctional facilities, Justice Obiorah explained the need for all stakeholders to contribute towards  ensuring that the Criminal Justice Sector works effectively and efficiently.

Responding the Comptroller of Nigeria Correctional Services, Anambra State Command, Mr Chukwuemeka, called for a bilateral committee for the Judiciary and the Correctional Services that can address challenges to  access to justice and safety, noting that no one is happy to keep people in custody without taking them to court.

The Comptroller also pointed out the importance of collaboration between the Correctional Services and host State to enable people get better services.

Contributing, the officer in charge of Legal and Human Rights, Barrister Chinedum Abiakam, said increase in the number of jail deliveries will help decongest Correctional facilities, and  reduce restiveness among inmates.