In a collaborative effort, the Edo State Ministry of Justice has partnered with the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (ROLAC II) program, funded by the European Union to organise a validation session for the proposed Edo State Correctional Service Bill.
During the stakeholders engagement which held at Randekhi Royal Hotel in Benin City, Mr. Oluwole Osazee Uzzi, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, explained that the primary purpose of the meeting was to review the draft correctional law for Edo State with internal stakeholders. The goal was to ensure that their insights and inputs were considered and incorporated. Mr. Oluwole emphasized that the proposed Draft Correctional Service Bill would be subject to validation by stakeholders. If adopted, it would proceed to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
The Attorney General stressed the importance of involving various stakeholders from the early stages of the Correctional Service Bill review to its implementation. He highlighted their crucial role in the successful execution of the legislation.
In addition to Mr. Oluwole’s remarks, Dr. Uju Agomoh, the Executive Director of Prisoners Re-orientation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and a member of the United Nations Sub-Committee on Prevention of Torture, delivered a presentation on the Model State Correctional Service Law.
Dr. Agomoh further explained that the engagement aims to review the updated Edo State Correctional Service Bill, incorporating earlier inputs. She underscored the connection between correctional service, security, and development, urging stakeholders from various sectors to support implementing the bill to curb offending and re-offending behaviors.
She suggested the creation of a ministry or department within the Ministry of Justice to oversee the proper execution of the Model State Correctional Service Bill once it becomes law.
The event saw the participation of notable figures, including the High Court Judge, Criminal Division, Hon. Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo, and Former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice P.O. Isibor (Rtd). Members of the Updated Draft Correctional Service Law committee, representatives from Civil Society Organizations, Justice Development and Peace Commission, Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, Benin Muslim Commission, Nigeria Correctional Services, ROLAC II, and the Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation were also present.
By Eghosa Emily
