Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a bill into law for the establishment and regulation of the Correctional Service.
The bill inculcates effective management of offenders, promotion of reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration and public safety.
The passage of the bill took place at the Legislative Complex, Abakaliki after extensive deliberations on the bill by the members.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa said the bill was in tandem with the Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs manifesto which placed high premium on the welfare and core needs of the people.
He expressed happiness over the unanimous and speedy passage the House members accorded the bill and maintained that offenders who have turned a new leaf in the correctional centre could be rehabilitated to become responsible members of the state.
Earlier, the Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro said the bill provided for the administration of custodial and non-custodial services in the State.
He emphasized that some of the inmates were innocent of the crimes being accused of and expressed the hopes that their proper rehabilitation and integration into the society would aid productive input to the labour market of the state.
Other members who spoke in favour of the speedy passage of the bill include the member representing Ishielu South, Hon. Arinze Lucas Chukwu, the representative of Ivo, Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu and his Ezza South State Constituency counterpart, Hon Friday Ogbuewu.
They commended the Governor, Francis Nwifuru for always prioritizing the interest of the people in his agenda.
There was also a motion for the immediate rehabilitation of a portion of entrance road leading to the Chief Judge of State and the Speaker’s quarters.
The motion was moved by Hon. Abiri Godwin Abiri representing Izzi West Constituency and was seconded by Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali representing Afikpo North East.
