By Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State Command and the Controller of Corrections, Cross River State Command, have met to strengthen collaboration in the state.
The meeting held in the Police Command headquarters, Diamond Hills, Calabar, between CP Rashid Afegbua with his management team and the Controller of Prison in the state, Aniekan Archibong Nya.
CP Rashid, held that the visit was aimed at familiarizing with the Controller, who had been newly posted as the Controller of Corrections in the State. He also sought to strengthen synergy and cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Cross River State.
During the visit, the Controller stressed that the need for increased adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) by the Police during investigations, where applicable, as a strategy to decongest correctional facilities across the State.
CP Rashid expressed appreciation for the visit and described the relationship between the two agencies as cordial and mutually beneficial. He assured the Controller of his Command’s continued collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service to enhance the administration of criminal justice.
On the issue of decongesting correctional facilities, the Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force has always been an advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution, depending on the nature of cases, in line with extant laws. He noted that the Honourable Chief Judge of Cross River State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, has consistently visited correctional facilities as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the delivery of justice and decongestion.
The visit was concluded with both agencies reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation in the interest of justice, public safety, and effective criminal justice administration in Cross River State.