In an effort to address the severe overcrowding in Delta State correctional centres, stakeholders within Nigeria's justice system have made an urgent appeal to the Delta State government to fund the parole system. This call was made in a communiqué released at the end of a two-day workshop held in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The communiqué was signed by Mr. Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, on behalf of the workshop participants.
Delta State
The Urgent Need for
a Funded Parole System
Stakeholders
emphasized the critical need for the state government to allocate resources
toward the effective implementation of the parole system. They highlighted the
necessity of funding for the training of parole officers, the deployment of
monitoring technologies, and the provision of support services for parolees.
According to the communiqué, "An effective parole system offers numerous
benefits, including reducing prison overcrowding, promoting rehabilitation, and
enhancing public safety. It provides a structured pathway for offenders to
reintegrate into society while ensuring they are monitored and supported,
reducing the likelihood of re-offending."
The
workshop, titled "Performance Appraisal Workshop on The Legal Framework on
Parole and the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria," was
organized by the CLEEN Foundation with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
It focused on various aspects of the parole system, including its legislative underpinnings,
procedural challenges, and the roles of different stakeholders in its
administration.
The Role of Parole
in the Criminal Justice System
Parole
is a supervised release program that allows eligible inmates to serve part of
their sentences outside of correctional facilities under strict conditions. It
is designed to help manage the population in custodial centres and promote the
rehabilitation of offenders. Participants at the workshop noted that parole
provides a mechanism for reducing the burden on correctional facilities by
enabling eligible inmates to reintegrate into society in a structured and
monitored manner. This approach not only helps in managing the inmate
population but also aids in the rehabilitation process, thereby enhancing
public safety.
The
CLEEN Foundation's communiqué underscored the importance of depoliticizing the
parole process and standardizing the criteria for the selection of inmates
eligible for parole. It stated, “In light of the pressing need to reform our
criminal justice system and enhance the effectiveness of offender
rehabilitation, the parole system has been identified as a critical component.”
Challenges and
Recommendations
One
of the major issues highlighted was the non-functioning Delta State Parole
Board, which was established two years ago but has remained inactive due to a
lack of funding. The communiqué stressed that the Parole Board is responsible
for assessing and determining parole eligibility based on established criteria,
including the inmate’s behaviour, rehabilitation progress, and risk assessment.
Without proper funding and support, the board cannot perform its crucial role
effectively.
The
stakeholders called on the state government to enact laws and policies that
define clear criteria and procedures for parole eligibility. They also
emphasized the need to ensure that parolees adhere to their conditions
through regular check-ins and close collaboration with law enforcement
agencies. This would help maintain public trust in the parole system and ensure
that it functions as intended.
Moreover,
the communiqué urged non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to play a supportive
role by offering housing, employment, counselling, and other necessary services
to parolees. These support services are vital for facilitating the successful
reintegration of parolees into society and reducing the chances of
re-offending. The foundation also encouraged NGOs to advocate for reforms and
raise public awareness about the benefits of an effective parole system.
The Benefits of an
Effective Parole System
The
workshop highlighted the numerous benefits of an effective parole system. By
reducing overcrowding in prisons, the state can alleviate the strain on its
correctional facilities and resources. This, in turn, allows for better management
and rehabilitation of inmates. Furthermore, a well-implemented parole system
can lead to lower recidivism rates, as parolees receive the necessary support
and supervision to help them reintegrate into society.
Parole
also offers a more humane approach to criminal justice by recognizing the
potential for rehabilitation and positive change in offenders. It allows
inmates who have demonstrated good behaviour and made significant progress in
their rehabilitation to rejoin their communities and contribute positively.
This not only benefits the individuals and their families but also enhances
overall community safety and cohesion.
Legislative and
Policy Framework
The
stakeholders stressed the need for a robust legislative and policy framework to
support the parole system. This includes clear guidelines for parole
eligibility, comprehensive training programs for parole officers, and the
implementation of advanced monitoring technologies. Such measures are essential
for ensuring that the parole system operates effectively and efficiently.
Additionally,
the state government was urged to provide adequate funding for the Parole Board
and other related institutions. This financial support is crucial for the
proper functioning of the parole system and for addressing the various
challenges associated with its implementation. The communiqué highlighted the
importance of sustained investment in the criminal justice system to achieve
meaningful and lasting reforms.
The Role of NGOs and
Community Support
Non-governmental
organizations were identified as key players in the successful implementation
of the parole system. By providing essential services such as housing,
employment, and counselling, NGOs can help parolees transition smoothly back
into society. These support services are critical for addressing the challenges
that parolees face and for reducing the risk of re-offending.
The
communiqué also called on community members to support parolees and facilitate
their reintegration. Community support plays a vital role in the rehabilitation
process and helps create an environment that is conducive to positive change.
By fostering a supportive and inclusive community, the likelihood of successful
reintegration and reduced recidivism increases significantly.
Conclusion
The
stakeholders' call for the Delta State government to fund the parole system
underscores the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
By investing in the parole system, the state can address the issue of
overcrowding in correctional centres, promote rehabilitation, and enhance
public safety. The successful implementation of a funded parole system requires
a comprehensive approach, including legislative and policy support, adequate
funding, and strong community and NGO involvement.
The
workshop and subsequent communiqué represent a significant step towards
achieving these goals. The CLEEN Foundation and its partners have laid out a
clear roadmap for improving the parole system and ensuring that it functions
effectively. By heeding these recommendations, the Delta State government can
make meaningful progress in reforming its criminal justice system and providing
better outcomes for inmates, their families, and society as a whole.
In
summary, the effective implementation of a funded parole system offers a
practical solution to the challenges facing Delta State’s correctional centres.
It presents an opportunity to reduce overcrowding, promote offender rehabilitation,
and enhance public safety. With the combined efforts of the government, NGOs,
and the community, the parole system can become a vital component of Nigeria’s
criminal justice reform, leading to a more just and humane society. #parolesystem
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