By Ahmad Umar
Gombe (Nigeria) – Nigeria Labour Congress in Gombe State , northeast of the country has secured the release of 23 prisons inmates from the Main Prison in the State capital after paying N200,000 as fines on their behalf.
The Labour Congress also donated non-food items to inmates at the prison.
The State Chairman, Haruna Kamara told Journalists in Gombe shortly after a visit to the prison on Wednesday, that the gesture was part of activities of NLC to mark its 40th anniversary.
According to him, the items were eight mats, 200 buckets, 200 robber flats, 200 spoons, three cartons of washing soap, three cartons of bathing soap and five bags of detergent.
Kamara called on the authorities , wealthy individuals and organisations to contribute towards decongestion of prisons and the provision of better facilities in prison.
“What we have seen today is unbearable, hence the need for authorities concerned to revisit the issue of prisons in this country, because to me prison is a treatment centre and rehabilitation.
“Therefore the prison inmate should be treated with high level of humility and responsibility so that when they come out to be better members of the society”, he said.
The NLC Chairman also disclosed that the union donated beverages and non-food items to the Gombe State Specialist Hospital
“The items were meant for the Paediatric and Maternity wards, to enhance the wellbeing of humanity, let them feel they are loved and the items are Five cartons of Ceralac, One carton of Milk, Two cartons of 123 peak powdered milk,23 cartons of diaper and two bags of detergent.
“Others are three cartons of Bournvita, three cartons of powdered milk, 15 cartons of Sanitary Pads, One bag of Sugar and one carton of disinfectant”, he added
Responding ,Dr. Arnold Abel, Medical Director Specialist Hospital Gombe, and the Deputy Comptroller in-charge of Gombe Main Prisons, Ibrahim Gide, commended the NLC for the gesture and assured that, the items will reach the target beneficiaries.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/12/30/governance/nigeria-minister-secures-release-of-36-gombe-prison-inmates-calls-for-prison-and-judicial-system-reforms/