Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to balancing justice with rehabilitation, revealing that a pregnant woman involved in a pensions fraud case was temporarily released to ensure the safe delivery of her baby.
Governor Otti made this known on Saturday while receiving Hon. Chinedu Ogah and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office.
He commended the intervention of Abia First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, whose efforts secured the temporary release of the heavily pregnant inmate. Following her release from the Correctional Centre, the woman was taken to a hospital, where she safely gave birth.
The Governor informed the Reformatory Committee that he had directed the Attorney General of Abia State to seek a variation of the woman’s bail conditions to facilitate her legal release. He emphasized that his administration remains both compassionate and firm in upholding justice.
“We must be compassionate and firm. While serious offenders must be prevented from endangering society, minor offenders who have been corrected deserve a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti also commended the House Committee members for their dedication to oversight functions despite limited resources, noting that true leadership often demands sacrifice. He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Abia, drawing inspiration from the legacies of visionary leaders such as Michael Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, Jaja Wachuku, Akanu Ibiam, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
In response, Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised Governor Otti’s strides in infrastructure development, as well as his efforts in improving Correctional Centres by installing water supply systems, solar electricity, and security reinforcements.
Ogah also noted that Abia remains the only state in the South East with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Centre located in Uzuakoli. He urged the Governor to prioritize repairs to the road leading to the facility to enhance accessibility and security.
