By Idris Umar, Zaria The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has paid ₦27.506 million in fines to ...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has paid ₦27.506 million in fines to secure the release of 21 inmates from the Zaria Correctional Centre in Kaduna State as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
Abbas also donated 20 motorcycles to correctional officers and distributed 1,000 motorcycles to primary and secondary school teachers in Zaria Local Government Area to improve mobility and ease transportation challenges.
The Speaker made the announcement during a visit to the correctional facility on Friday, where he reaffirmed his commitment to justice reform, human dignity, and the rehabilitation of inmates within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
According to him, the intervention was aimed at offering a second chance to inmates detained for minor offences who were unable to pay court-imposed fines, while also drawing attention to broader challenges within the custodial system.
“Democracy Day is not only a time to celebrate our democratic achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on how our institutions can better serve the people, especially the vulnerable,” he said.
Abbas noted that his engagement with inmates and correctional personnel provided firsthand insight into the challenges facing correctional facilities and underscored the need for sustained reforms in the justice sector.
He expressed concern over the continued incarceration of individuals for minor offences solely due to their inability to pay fines, describing the situation as both a social and legal challenge requiring urgent policy attention.
As part of his support for the correctional centre, the Speaker pledged to fund the renovation of critical facilities, including the clinic and vocational training unit, stressing that improved infrastructure is essential for effective rehabilitation, skills acquisition, and successful reintegration of inmates into society.
Abbas said the significance of Democracy Day extends beyond commemoration, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democratic governance and the responsibility of leaders to promote justice, equity, and inclusive development.
In a separate Democracy Day message to residents of Zaria Federal Constituency, the Speaker described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, noting that it demonstrated Nigerians’ ability to transcend ethnic, religious, and regional differences in pursuit of national unity and democratic ideals.
He paid tribute to pro-democracy figures, including Mallam Aminu Kano, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Professor Bala Usman, whose contributions, he said, laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms enjoyed today.
Abbas emphasized that democracy remains a collective responsibility that must be continually nurtured, protected, and strengthened to ensure a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Nigerians.
He added that the Democracy Day interventions reflect his commitment to empowering communities, supporting public servants, advancing justice sector reforms, and improving the welfare of citizens across his constituency.
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