Tina Amanda
The public, especially women, has been advised to avoid crime and its forms that will cause them to be imprisoned.
Chairperson International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, stated this during FIDA quarterly legal clinic for female inmates at the Port Harcourt correctional centre.
Bio-Briggs explained that the legal clinic is targeted at female inmates to help them get access to justice and free legal representation, as females in society have generally been seen as marginalized, even in prison.
According to her, “As part of FIDA Nigeria’s strategic goal plan goal three (3), which is access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities, the visit to the correctional centre is one of how we can bring access to justice closer to people
“By going to the prison, we ensure there are no unrepresented women in the law court; we provide pro Bono services to those who do not have legal representation in matters in court.
“We listen to them, hear those their matters are ongoing in court, the inmates that their concerns have not gone to court; we also hear them out to know where to liaise with the Director Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Police on how their matters will go forward.
“We also saw some inmates who have served their jail terms but have not been able to pay up compensation to the families they are supposed to compensate. These are some of the things and concerns we will reach out to people to see how we can do it.
“Females in society have generally been seen as marginalized, even the prison they are also marginalized as the correctional facility for the female is smaller than the male facility.
“As an organization, we are poised to see women and children get access to Justice, and they are protected. We always try our best concerning women.”
She further encouraged the female inmates awaiting trial and those that have almost finished their jail terms to turn a new leaf and be beneficial to themselves through the training they might have acquired from the correctional centre to better their lives.
“I want the general public to stay away from crime. We have spoken to the female inmates, those awaiting trial and those that have almost finished their jail terms that this is not the end of their lives am happy the facility now has a lot of training ongoing at the centre”.
Our Correspondent reports that FIDA, in partnership with Eunice Foundation, distributed mattresses, sanitary wear, toiletries, diapers and clothings.
