The call was part of the resolutions read by Mr Rabi’u Gandi, the representative of the civil society organisations at the end of a stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday in Sokoto.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event tagged ” Understanding the National Security Strategies, Providing Space for Non State Actors”, was organised by CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, with support from MacArthur Foundation.
He said based on the deliberations by the different stakeholders, there was a need for judges at all levels to be utilising the sentencing options such as community services and other punishments, not jail terms always.
He explained that higher percentage of sentences to imprisonments have subjected correctional facilities to be overcrowded, stressing that utilising options would reduce congestion.
Gandi also advised the judiciary and legislative arms to facilitate the constitution of parole processes in order to enhance the system.
He underscored the importance of the parole system in Nigeria, which would reduce pressure on custodial facilities, frequent jail breaks and grievances among inmates.
According to him, the representatives of law enforcement agencies at the gathering have made different inputs and suggestions on the best ways to enhance their services as well as challenges they faced in the country.
While he commended CLEEN foundation for the efforts, Gandi said that compilations would be made and forwarded to the higher authorities for reviews and implementations accordingly.
Speaking also, the Foundation Programme Officer, Mr Ebere Mbaegbu, said the exercise was part of the citizens’ engagement with state and non-state actors on police and judicial reforms, criminal administration of justice, transparency and accountability.
Mbaegbu urged the implementation of the parole system as a window to prison decongestion and convicts’ rehabilitation strategies.
He stressed that the administration of justice was the cornerstone of any society that upholds the rule of law.
He added that collective efforts were pivotal in ensuring that this cornerstone remains robust and effective.
” Parole is a critical component of our justice system, aimed at rehabilitating offenders and reintegrating them into the society as law-abiding citizens.
” It reflects a balance between punitive measures and the need for rehabilitation, recognising that the potential for reform and positive change exists within every individual, ” he said.
A cross-section of the participants expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying that the event provided an invaluable platform for them to engage in critical discussions.
The participants shared insights and evaluated the current state of the legal framework on parole and its broader implication on criminal justice administration in Nigeria.
NAN reports that the participants comprised members of CSOs, police, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), public prosecutors and lawyers,among others.(NAN)
