From Wole Balogun, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose yesterday urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, upgrade facilities in the prisons across the federation.
The governor made the call when he visited the Federal Prisons in Ado-Ekiti to examine the facilities and also pardon some inmates.
However, the governor could not release the inmates due to advice of the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, that there are some processes to be followed before he can veto their release. Some wives of the inmates, especially those whose crimes bordered on political violence, appealed to Governor Fayose to release their husbands. But, the governor explained to them that his hands were tied because he had to follow due process.
He said: “We would pardon some inmates but we have to follow due process. We must have the facts and figures before vetoing their release. We have come to see the facilities in the prison and see how we can help. We have seen the facilities here and we are not happy.
“The buildings here houses almost 200 people but whatever their offences they are still entitled to good condition of living.
“We, therefore, appeal to the Federal Government to upgrade the facilities available for prison inmates in the state here. The walls surrounding the prison are vulnerable, that was why we experienced prison break the last time, but that would not happen again.
“As a state government. We will support the prison with an additional building, a borehole, health and toilet facilities. We appeal to the government to live up to its responsibilities.
“I also appeal to the prison inmates, you must be of good conduct so you can get pardon. Also make sure that you repent truly.”