Indications emerged suggesting that the federal government may be looking for a soft landing for former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin n DEmefiele. This is coming on the heels of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi visit to Emefiele at Kure correctional Centre in Abuja. On the visit the Ooni secured the release of five inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, following his visit to the facility where he also held meetings with the former Central Bank governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele. Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa had visited the facility in commemoration of his 8th Anniversary on the throne.
It was not immediately clear the details of his discussions with the former apex bank chief. However, Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, as Duza in his remarks, said Ooni’s visit was necessitated by his empathy for humanity and his belief in giving second chance to people to correct their mistakes. He expressed joy on the warm reception accorded him and his wife on the special occasion. The Ooni urged inmates not to see their incarceration as the end of life, rather they should see it as an opportunity to turn a new leaf. In his words “I am here for the real people who need hope, your condition today will be history tomorrow, so don’t give up”. The Ooni secured the release of five inmates through payment of fines.
He admonished them to be of good behaviour, comport themselves in line with the rules of the custodial centre and forgive themselves”, the command said. He also promised to support the inmates rehabilitation programme by giving materials to aid their skills acquisition program. In her speech, the deputy convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, Olori Temitope Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi said the visit was not only to celebrate the remarkable reign of his majesty but to reflect on societal issues. She applauded the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the correctional service authorities for doing a great job in the reformation and reintegration of the offenders. The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa appreciated the king for choosing the Kuje centre to show their benevolence and assured them of the service commitment to the full implementation of Service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates of offenders.
