CDHR tasks Kwara gov, CJ on prompt prosecution of inmates on trial

The Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Kwara State chapter has urged the state government to pay adequate attention and encourage the state’s Chief Justice, Abiodun Adebara, to ensure the timely prosecution of the growing number of inmates at correctional centres across the state.

Comrade Afolabi, speaking at a press briefing marking this year’s Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, said the pitiable conditions of inmates at correctional centres in the state could never be wished upon anyone under any circumstance.

Fielding questions from newsmen after adopting and reading the address of the National President of CDHR, Afolabi said that the group has, at various times, shuttled between the offices of the state Attorney-General, Chief Justice, Commissioner of Police, Comptroller of Prisons, and Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to ensure that prompt prosecution of cases is carried out for the accused standing trial.

He lamented the poor conditions of inmates, saying: “We have visited the relevant offices, including the CP, DPP, Attorney-General, Chief Judge, and the Comptroller of Prisons in the state.

“It was due to our undaunted efforts that the Chief Judge recently freed three inmates, while others have been granted bail and are now free. We have been caring for those still in the correctional centres.”

On the challenges facing the group, he lamented that many of the beneficiaries of the CDHR and other human rights groups are now in government but frustrate the assurance and realisation of fundamental rights for the citizenry.

“It is regrettable that one of our sponsors in the past is now the nation’s president and denies us (Nigerians) our socioeconomic rights,” he stated.

The group also appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to stop foot dragging on the implementation of the approved new minimum wage, urging him to lead by example.

“The governor should stop foot dragging on the implementation of the new minimum wage. As the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), he should lead by example. There is hunger in the state; he should focus more on stomach care,” he stated.

CDHR also advised the state government to strengthen the security networks in the state, lamenting that human lives no longer hold value in the state.