Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced renewed efforts to identify minor offenders in correctional facilities across the state for possible pardon as part of the government’s yuletide interventions.
Speaking on Friday during his November media interaction in Umuahia, Otti outlined ongoing security, infrastructure, and welfare programmes under his administration.
The governor said he recently met with the Zonal Commandant of the Nigerian Correctional Service to review the state’s support for correctional facilities. He noted that despite being a federal institution, the state government had taken steps to improve security and conditions within the centres.
“We decided to protect the entire place by erecting perimeter fences, and we are building a one-storey holding centre to decongest the cells,” Otti explained. “The aim is not to keep more people there, but to ensure that those who enter do not come out as hardened criminals.”
Otti added that his administration had previously attempted to grant clemency to minor offenders but found no eligible inmates at the time. He has now ordered a fresh assessment.
“In the last two years, I tried to apply the prerogative of mercy, but all the over 1,900 inmates had serious offences. I have asked the Zonal Commandant to review the list again as we approach the end of the year,” he said.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant throughout the festive season, assuring that security agencies were working closely with the government.
“We consult regularly with service commanders police, army, NSCDC, and others. Intelligence is key. Give information, take charge of your security, and don’t be afraid,” he said.
Otti also highlighted various achievements recorded in the past month, including improved ratings of the state in national assessments. He noted that Abia recently emerged as the most prepared among the 36 states and the FCT.
The governor announced that newly acquired electric buses had begun arriving in the state and would be deployed before year-end to help reduce transportation costs.
On revenue enforcement, he clarified that the sealing of certain business premises followed due process involving demand notices and court orders. He stressed that the government does not discriminate but is focused on recovering funds owed to the state.
Otti further disclosed plans to take over the electricity distribution network in Umuahia and surrounding local government areas to enable the distribution of excess power generated in Aba.
Speaking on workers’ welfare, he affirmed that the state remains current on salary payments. Although describing the verified gratuity arrears over ₦60bn dating back to 2001 as “disheartening,” he assured that phased payments would begin soon.
The governor also announced improved incentives for NYSC members serving in the state. The long-standing ₦4,000 allowance has been raised to between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 depending on the area of deployment.
He added that the NYSC camp in Bende has been upgraded with new water supply, street lighting, and improved internal roads.
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