Olukayode Babalola
Lafia – The Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha, pledged on Thursday that he would support the Nigerian Prison Service, Nasarawa State Command, in rehabilitating the inmates across the state.
Mustapha, Chairman, Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers’ Council, made the pledge in Lafia when the new Controller of Prisons in the state, Alhaji Aliyu Anchor, paid him a courtesy visit.
The traditional ruler said that in spite of their incarceration, prisioners did not deserve condemnation but rehabilitation.
“This is the reason why the Lafia Emirate Council is willing to offer support that will aid the prison officials in transforming the inmates into law-abiding citizens.
“The prisoners you are in charge of are our people. So our minds and efforts are toward them.
“We want to see to their welfare and give you the needed support that will ensure they are well rehabilitated because when they come out, they will stay with us.
“We want to assure you of our maximum cooperation. Whatever you want, just tell us.
“If you have some hitches, just come and knock on my door. Whatever I can do to assist you to get whatever you want, I will do,’’ the traditional ruler said.
Mustapha said the gesture was due to the long-standing cooperation and understanding between the Lafia emirate council and the prison command in the state.
He said that he would do everything possible to sustain the cordial relationship.
“The palace has been working very closely with the prison service for long and we have not had any problem whatsoever.
“We understand each other and we have been living very well with each other. I assure you that the district heads and others will give you their full cooperation,’’ he added.
Earlier, Anchor expressed gratitude to the emir for his sustained support for the prisons in the state.
He gave an assurance that all the inmates, irrespective of what took them to prison, would be treated humanely, hoping that they would change for good when they were released.
He said that in spite of the Federal Government’s takeover of prisons in the 1960s, the emir of Lafia had continued to provide support for the prison command in the state.
“The emir is still taking care of us. Most of the buildings belong to the emir’s palace up till now.
“That is why I decided to thank him for all he has been doing for us. I just want to appeal to your royal highness not be tired,’’ he said.
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