IMO STATE GOVERNOR CALLS FOR RELOCATION OF OWERRI PRISON

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has appealed to the Federal Government to consider the relocation of the Owerri Prison to a more conducive site to ameliorate the plight of the inmates. Briefing Newsmen at the end of a Security Council meeting held at government house Owerri, the Governor said apart from being congested, the facility lacked basic infrastructure needed for human habitation.

He noted that the present location of the Prison posed a security risk to the people. Governor Okorocha also explained that government would address the dearth of infrastructure and inadequate manpower in the State Judiciary which he said were responsible for delay in justice dispensation.

The Governor said that Council frowned at the increasing cases of cultism among the youths noting that the state legislature would review the relevant laws to provide stiffer penalties for the crime. He announced plans to set up a Security Trust Fund to support the security of lives and property as government could no longer bear the cost alone.

Governor Okorocha explained that government had embarked on perimeter fencing of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri to check security lapses experienced in the area. He stated that government would soon recruit ex-servicemen as volunteers to assist in maintaining security in the state.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU