The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad has directed the State Chief Judge on speedy trial of inmates remanded in various prisons to reduce congestion.
The Governor gave the directive today when he paid a visit to Bauchi Central Prison, Bauchi Orphanage Center and Bauchi Remand Home, as part of the celebration of this Year’s Democracy Day in the state.
Governor Bala Muhammad said a committee for Prerogative of Mercy would be constituted so as to review the cases of the inmates.
He said to ensure good governance in the state, his administration deems it necessary to find lasting solution to the challenges affecting the smooth operation of prisons across the state.
The Governor assured that in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda, the present administration would not allow innocent inmates to be remanded in prison for long.
The representative of the Controller Prisons Bauchi, Magaji Habu said of the over 951 inmates in their custody, 805 were awaiting for trial.
The Governor donated 3 cows and 20 bags of rice to the inmates as their Democracy Day gift.
While at Bauchi Remand Home, Governor Bala Muhammad announced his intention to settle the fines of some of the inmates and warned the beneficiaries against re-engagement into criminal activities.
The Governor while at Bauchi Orphanage Center, disclosed that welfare, care and protection of orphans would remain the priority of his administration.
He however appealed to wealthy individuals to consider assisting orphans and vulnerable children as part of corporate social responsibility.
