The non-governmental organization (NGO), that has been in the fore-front of rehabilitating, reforming and reintegrating inmates in Nigerian prisons, made this call through its Founder, Mr. Ejike Henry Osuchukwu, while donating items worth over N800,000 to the Federal Prisons in Owerri, Imo State.
Mr. Osuchukwu also paid the sum of N70,000 to secure the release of five inmates stranded at the prison.
In his words: “It is very important that the Federal Government and its agency INEC, ensure that Nigerian prison inmates like their counter-parts in the developed world, be allowed to participate in the electoral process.
“INEC should establish electoral wards and voting centres in all prisons across the country”,
The inmates, who were set free, were convicted by the courts, but due, to their inability to pay for their release they were remanded in prison.
It was this sum the NGO had to offset to secure their freedom. Items donated include rechargeable lanterns for all the rooms and toiletries.
Osuchukwu, urged Nigerians to show concern on the welfare of inmates if they must be reformed. He urged the inmates to be of good conduct, adding that their change of attitude would change their life for the better.
“The society believes that one must not lock people up, throw away the key and forget about them.” He advocated a holistic re-structuring of the prison system so that inmates can acquire different skills while in jail.
The NGO commended the cordial and harmonious relationship exhibited by the prisoners and the officers in charge.
Speaking, the Deputy comptroller of Prison, Rev. Freedman Ben Rabbi, who thanked the NGO for the kind gesture, assured the visitors of judicious use of the items with fear of God, noting that such gesture would enhance government’s efforts at decongesting the prisons
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