By Chioma Iruke
The Nigerian Government has said it was considering granting inmates voting rights in the country during the 2023 general election.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said this on Tuesday in Abuja.
Belgore lamented that custodial centres across the country were being targeted by criminals. He cited the attack on the Kabba custodial centre, Kogi in the early hours of Monday as an example.
“Our facilities are being targeted by criminals. It is becoming worrisome and this may affect the way we grant access to people.
“However, if there are no impediments, we will work with you to ensure that their [inmates] rights to vote are protected,” he assured.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO), an NGO, Rev. Fr Jude Isiguzo, said the project was being funded by Voice which was a part of the Dialogue and Dissent agenda of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Isiguzo said it is aimed at strengthening the lobby and advocacy capacity of civil society organisations and representatives of the most marginalised and discriminated groups. He added that the Pollrite 23 project would be piloted in three states of Enugu, Lagos and Abuja
