National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’Ibom
Sampson Idiong, the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has called for immediate intervention to address the severe overcrowding in the state’s correctional centers.
During the last plenary session on Tuesday, Idiong presented a motion titled “Urgent Need to Intervene in Facilities of Correctional Centers in Akwa Ibom State.”
As the Deputy Chief Whip of the 8th Assembly, he highlighted the alarming situation in the state’s correctional facilities.
The overcrowding, he noted, has not only stretched government resources thin but also accelerated the deterioration of these centres.
Idiong shared data indicating that federal offenders make up less than ten percent of inmates, with over 90 percent being state offenders.
He presented disturbing statistics, revealing that the Uyo prison, originally designed to accommodate 600 inmates, now houses over 1,500, and the Ikot Ekpene Centre, designed for 800 inmates, is currently accommodating twice its capacity.
The lawmaker also expressed concerns about the lack of security lights around the already weak perimeter fence of the overcrowded Uyo facility.
He warned that relying solely on the Federal Government for action, especially with the onset of the rainy season, could have disastrous consequences.
Idiong reminded the House of a similar incident on April 24 of the previous year, when over 100 inmates escaped from Suleja prison following a heavy downpour that compromised the facility, including its perimeter fence.
He cautioned that if a breach occurs and inmates escape, the repercussions would primarily affect the residents of Akwa Ibom State.
In response to the motion, Speaker Hon. Udeme Otong directed the House Committee on Public Utilities and the Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions to collaborate with the Judiciary Service Commission.
They are to investigate the situation and report back to the House within two weeks.
Idiong’s motion underscores the urgent need for both state and federal authorities to address the overcrowding in Akwa Ibom’s correctional facilities.
