Bauchi Governor wants FG to extend COVID 19 support to correctional services

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi state on Wednesday requested the Federal Government to consider extending its COVID-19 palliative to Correctional Services across the country to cater for the healthcare needs of inmates.
The Governor made the request when the House of Representatives’ Committee on Reformatory Institutions visited him at the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi.
Governor Bala said at the period of coronovirus disease, there is need for the National Assembly to come up with a budgetary allocation that will provide isolation centres in correctional centres to enable inmates access the required medical services.
He stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to tackle congestion in correctional centres across the country through a robust administrative framework on speedy dispensation of justice.
“I cherish this visit and I seize the opportunity to observe that, members of the correctional services are facing some challenges on how to admit those on waiting trial because of this COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most of us at the state levels lack capacity to isolate those on trial or to provide them with required medical care. But we must support our correctional centres to tackle spreed of diseases for the betterment of our inmates.
“I happy with this committee for embarking on inspection of facilities in correctional services and for the welfare of those in the centres and therefore my administration is ready to support you.”