By Victor Akaa,Abuja
Inmates at the Medium security Correctional Center, kuje have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to visit their facilities and also declared an amnesty programme on them to free them from long time in detention.
The General Overseer of the inmates made the appeal when members of the 27 Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) visited to donate 1500 treated mosquito nets as part of activities marking their 40th anniversary.
He lamented lack of Amnesty since the existence of the facility as enjoyed byo those in the various states of the federation and called on President Buhari to come to their aid.
While appreciating the Course,he said this was the first time a noble group would identify with the victims which are predominantly not criminals but victims of circumstances.
“This is the first time we are noble visitors like you. We have people here who are not criminals but have found themselves here due to circumstances.
“Some got here while working in various places in the society. Some were even young soldiers before circumstances brought them not necessarily crime but just some mistakes. Some are here due to minor offences.
“I therefore urged you to use your network and seek review of the military and other laws and give them a second chance.
“This facility has never experienced amnesty since it’s establishment like the ones in the states where Governor’s preside,” he said
The GO urged the members of the Course to leverage on its networks to bring appropriate authorities to their aid.
In his remarks,the chairman organising committee Maj Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) said the nets were meant for the exclusive use of the inmates.
Gen Esekhaigbe (rtd) said the donation was part of the course’s humanitarian engagement and a reminder to the inmates that they were not forgotten.
“I want you the inmates to know that we have not forgotten about you here and we will do everything to improve your condition.
The chairman further explained that the choice of donating the net is to prevent the inmates from contacting malaria that will further degenerate into health challenge.
Also speaking the Welfare Officer of the Center CSC Felix Uzedu thanked the Course for the kind gesture.
CSC Uzedu said the center was doing its best to reform the inmates.
He therefore appealed for further donation by well-meaning Nigerian in other to enhance the skill acquisition initiatives of the Center.
The Kuje Correctional Center has about 935 inmates out of whom 793 inmates are awaiting trial while 42 have been convicted.
