Pulse.ng : Minister charges newly commissioned 177 correctional officers on integrity

By Stella Kabruk

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Aregbesola, on Friday admonished newly commissioned 177 correctional officers to serve with honour and integrity in carrying out their lawful duties.

Aregbesola gave the charge at the Passing Out Parade of the 28 ASC basic course (Batch E) at the parade ground, correctional service staff college Barnawa Kaduna.

He said the newly commissioned officers needed to be firm and courageous.

The minister said the officers must stand on the highest ethical and moral pedestal.

He urged them to shun all form of corrupt practices and resist the temptation to collude with inmates and outsiders to compromise the integrity of the service in any way that could lead to inmates running criminal rings, jailbreaks and external attacks on the custodial centres.

“You have been called to serve with honour, distinction and integrity.

“I am aware that 117 cadets are passing out today. I wish to therefore, congratulate all the graduating officers for not only successfully passing through the rigorous studies and physical exercises but also for the superlative parade just displayed this morning.

“I have no doubt that this basic course has actually produced the desired impact on you all for the tasks ahead.

“Be reminded that this course is just the beginning of other numerous courses you will have to undertake in subsequent years, in the course of your training and retraining,"he said.

The Minister , congratulated the Commandant and his team for ensuring that the College continues to fulfil its mandate of training and re-training of officers in line with the present Correctional Service Act, 2019, as well as best practices in the world.

“Considering that the nation’s General Elections are ongoing, I urge you to remain resolute in carrying out your lawful duties as government has already put in place adequate measures to combat any ugly security threat that might arise.

“I have no doubt also that in the process of your training and indoctrination, you have been taught the essence of the correctional service and its raison d’état.

“Corrections is the end point of the justice system. Criminal suspects are held in custody in the course of their trial, while convicts are kept away from society for them to be reformed and reintegrated into society as better citizens, after they have paid their dues.

“You are the instrument of the government for realising these objectives. The training you have received is to equip you to carry out this task. You must not fail the nation and you must not fail this institution, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).”

He urged them to ensure they keep the inmates in thier custody safe from any harm at all times – safe from external intruders, safe from other inmates and safe from themselves.

“More importantly, your institution and all its custodial centres must be protected and made inviolable. The custodial centres are a Red Zone. Be a mother lion – gentle, friendly and fiercely protective of her cubs; but dangerous, deadly and merciless towards any unfortunate intruder to her space.

“You have the backing of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President to use all means necessary to perform your duty successfully.”

According to him, part of government’s effort to enhance the monitoring and safe guiding of the custodial facilities nationwide, additional operational vehicles have been provided and distributed to squadron Commanders. This will boost the security of custodial centres and further assist in election security.

He added that , efforts to boost the morale of the Correctional Service personnel, recently, CWIS 17th Anniversary workshop was held between 18th and 20th January, 2023.

This, he said was designed to boost the economic viability of serving, retired and deceased personnel, thereby optimizing efficient service delivery.

Also, building of new barracks and renovation of old ones are ongoing and promotion of 13 CCs to ACGs and 57 DCCs to CCs were carried.

The officers have been decorated. Hopefully, the remaining promotion results will soon be released and beneficiaries will get their dues.

“Finally, may I seize this opportunity to congratulate the graduates of this six-month course which terminates today, 3rd March, 2023, for your endurance, perseverance and good conduct exhibited during the period of your training.

He urge them to remain disciplined, patriotic and diligent in the discharge of assigned responsibilities especially, given the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.