A non-governmental organization dedicated to the care and protection of the vulnerable, Rainbow Watch Development Center has commended the chief judge of Rivers State for decongesting correctional centers in the state.
Executive director of the center, Comrade Michael Gbarale said in a release, that the overcrowding of the correctional centers posed danger to the health of inmates and hampers the effective execution of justice,
Said he: “We would like to commend the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chubuzor Amadi, for his exemplary commitment to upholding the provisions of the criminal justice law of Rivers State and the special provision of the law of the Federation. His dedication to ensuring justice is served and correctional centre is decongested is truly commendable.
“The overcrowding of correctional centre has long been a concern for the State. It does not only poses a risk to the health and well-being of inmates but also hampers the effectiveness of the justice system. The presence of minor and young offenders, who should be given appropriate rehabilitation opportunities, among the general inmates population exacerbates these issues”.
The statement commended the proactive steps being taken by the CJ and urged him to routinely check out what is happening in the correctional centers for enhanced overall effectiveness.
“Rainbow Watch and Development Centre is pleased to witness the proactive steps taken by Chief Judge Simeon Chubuzor Amadi in complying with the provisions of both the criminal justice law of Rivers State and the special provision of the law of the Federation. By doing so, he is not only upholding the principles of justice but also protecting the rights and welfare of minor and young offenders within the criminal justice system.
“We, therefore, urge Chief Judge Amadi to routinely exercise his powers to decongest the correctional centres overwhelmed with minor and young offenders. This will not only provide appropriate facilities and opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration but also enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of our justice system”.
Rainbow Watch called on other relevant stakeholders to collaborate to ensure proper decongestion of the correctional centers.
“In addition, we call upon other relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, legal practitioners, and the government, to support this efforts in reducing the congestion within our correctional centres. Such collaboration is crucial to ensuring a fair and effective criminal justice system that safeguards the rights and well-being of all individuals involved”.
It stated that, ”by addressing the issue of congestion in correctional centres, Chief Judge Amadi is setting a commendable precedent for other judicial officers to follow”.
