STOP STIGMATISING EX-CONVICTS — NCOS CONTROLLER BEGS NIGERIANS
Reporter : CHRISTIAN NWANGENE
Nigerians are advised to stop any form of discrimination against ex-convicts and integrate them as critical members of the society. The Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS), Enugu Custodial Centre, Mr. Joseph Chinedu Emelue, made the plea at ‘Walk Against Stigmatisation of Released Inmates,’ which held in Enugu metropolis.
The walk, which was tagged the ‘Yellow Ribbon Project’, was used to enlighten Nigerians on some societal negative attitudes against repentant, reformed and released inmates. Some of the inscription on the handbills include; “Give Inmates a Chance of a Second Life,’’ “Ex-inmates have Valuable Contribution to the Society’’ and “Stop Stigmatising Ex-offenders and Help Give Them Better Lives.’’
Mr. Emelue noted that released inmates had undergone corrections and were now reformed, stressing that most of them learnt crafts and other handworks, while some had completed their education to Masters degree level.
“Today’s walk is significant in the job of Nigerian Correctional Service as we have gone out to sensitise the general public to the need to receive corrected, reformed and released inmates.
“We, in the Correctional Service, believe that no one is a permanent offender and humans can be reformed and corrected to get better and be useful to the society,’’ Mr. Emelue said.
The Controller, however, said that in contemporary Nigeria the released inmates had a challenge of the “second prison,’’ as individuals in the society often stigmatised and rejected them after release.
“So, our message is that the society should receive them knowing that they had undergone total correction and rehabilitation.
“They are highly useful to everyone – family, neighbourhood, community and society,’’ he said.
The Southeast Coordinator, Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN), the Venerable Jonathan Agbo, said society must treat ex-offenders with respect and stop discriminating against them. He called for an open door and love towards released inmates notwithstanding their previous offence.
The Venerable Agbo, who is the Archdeacon of Ogui Archdeaconry, Anglican Communion, in Enugu, noted that it was regrettable that families and communities even the Church and government discriminated against ex-convicts through some pronouncements and attitudes.
“Ex-inmates need love and understanding from everybody and it is good we help them achieve their potentialities,’’ he said.
The other organisations that partnered the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in the walk and sensitisation included; Prisons Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and Baywood Foundation.
The sensitization train went through Enugu North headquarters, Ogbete, Obiagu, Uwani and some other major streets in Enugu metropolis.