All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) on Thursday decried the condition of prison inmates in the country.
The party described the condition of the inmates as `worrisome,’ and that it needed urgent attention for the betterment of the country.
The?National Publicity Secretary, Mr Emeka Eneukwu, said these in Abuja in a statement issued to newsmen.
“We received with interest the news in the media yesterday, where the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, said that 70 per cent of inmates in Nigerian prisons have no business there because they are awaiting trial.
“ The overall intent in establishing prisons is to rehabilitate criminals by teaching them personal discipline and respect for work, property and other people,’’ he said.
Eneukwu said that the philosophy and practice of correctional institutions, were to met out less punishment of criminals and improve their souls more.
He described the situation where prisoners in Nigeria were exposed to inhuman conditions, with many of them wasting without trial, as `travesty of civilization and affront on human dignity.’
“ Our great party believes that when the true essence of the penitentiary is abused or neglected, it loses its objective of reforming errant citizens and sanitising the polity.
“ Today, we are accosted with a situation where people convicted and jailed for? less serious crimes come out hardened, ready and willing to commit more heinous crimes against the country and fellow citizens,’’ he said.
The publicity secretary urged the National Assembly to pass the prisons reform bill to enhance effective reforms of the prison system.
He? called on legislators to focus on areas of crime and punishment during the ongoing constitution amendment to address the current security challenges facing the nation.
“ As a party, we believe that the Justice system is not complete without an efficient, just and competent correctional system,” Eneukwu said. (NAN)