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Oyo State judiciary is set to introduce parole system for rehabilitation of prisoners.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists, shortly after an inaugural meeting with the management and staff of the ministry in Ibadan.
The Commissioner stated that there was need to create a viable platform for proper rehabilitation of prisoners who were released through prerogative of mercy for them to become a better person.
His words: “We are going to come up with policies that the judiciary will focus on. For instance, non-custodial sentences policy and parole system for prisoners rehabilitation. An effective parole system will be introduced so that prisoners that were given prerogative of mercy did not go back prison, this will be done in conjunction with the religious leaders, civil society and charity organisations.”
Oyewo expressed the readiness of the present administration in the state to reform the judiciary for the purpose of promoting equity and efficiency of the courts in dispensing justice to the people without fear, favour or delay.
He stressed that the Makinde-led administration is ready to achieve this within a short period of time, adding that priority would be placed on adherence to the observance of principle of law in order to change public perception about the judiciary.
The Attorney General also said the Ministry of Justice will work in synergy with the legislative arm of government to review the outdated laws of Oyo state for the benefit of all and sundry.
He assured that necessary steps would be taken to reduce the burden on the courts in the state and ensure disputes before the courts enjoy speedy hearings, feats that would be achieved through digitisation.
“We are aware of the mandate before our ministry, we will work closely with all the ministries and key stakeholders like police to ensure that cases that come to court are given expeditious hearings.
“This is in concert with the programme of the current administration to see to the change of perspectives people have about the judicial system as predisposed to the wealthy instead of the general masses.
“The state government under Governor Seyi Makinde is ready to change the perception of the people that our law courts are up for sale to the highest bidder or will only favour the rich or affluent. Justice will henceforth be for all no matter the class in the society,” he stated.
Oyewo added that the Ministry will work towards creating a law reform department in the ministry as well as a law reform commission in the state.
He admonished staff of the ministry to be proactive in the discharge of their duties and give their support to the programmes and policies of the present administration for the overall success of the state.