The House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled plans to investigate the utilisation of the N165 billion appropriated for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) over the past two years.
The NCS operates under interior minister and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola who recently declared war on former ally and All Progressives National Congress (APC) leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The reps are led by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila who reportedly remains loyal to Tinubu, a 2023 presidential hopeful.
It remains unclear if the proposed probed is linked to that political war.
The resolution, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent national importance on the deplorable state of inmates and the unwholesome working conditions of officers in spite of huge budgetary allocations with attendant adverse effects on security of custodial facilities.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance by Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader of the House, on the floor of the House on Wednesday in Abuja.
The House resolved to mandate the Committee on Reformatory Institutions to investigate the allegations and report to the House within 12 weeks for further legislative action.
In his motion, Mr Elumelu stated that despite an increased budgetary allocation to the NCS, the working conditions of staff and inmates’ welfare had deteriorated in the last two years.
According to him, the Arms Squad unit of the service still parades obsolete and substandard weapons.
“Staff still buys or makes their uniform till date regardless of the huge budget allocations provided for this purpose, provision of uniform for inmates is nonexistence in most custodial centres
“There are also claims of unscrupulous staff promotion, denial of rights and benefits, including hazard and duty tour allowances levelled against the management of the Service,” he stated.
The minority leader said the effects of these allegations, given increasing evidence of susceptibility of some officers compromising the security of custodial facilities, could worsen violations of facilities and current security challenges in the country.
